What's Happening?
During a groundbreaking ceremony for a new practice facility, Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill faced questions regarding the absence of a team president. Bidwill, who currently holds the title himself, was asked why the team does not have a president independent from ownership. He reiterated that he is the team president and deflected further questions on whether this is the best operational strategy. The Cardinals are one of seven NFL teams without a separate team president, alongside the Cowboys, Giants, Buccaneers, Bengals, Steelers, and Colts. The team does have a general manager, COO, CFO, chief legal officer, and chief people officer. Bidwill's decision to serve as president himself avoids the additional expense of hiring someone
for the role, potentially increasing the team's profitability.
Why It's Important?
The decision by Michael Bidwill to serve as both owner and team president raises questions about governance and operational efficiency within the Arizona Cardinals. By not appointing an independent president, the team may miss out on strategic leadership that could enhance its competitive edge. This approach also highlights a broader trend in the NFL, where a few teams opt to consolidate leadership roles to reduce costs. However, this could lead to potential conflicts of interest and limit the diversity of thought in decision-making processes. The financial implications are significant, as avoiding the salary and benefits of a team president can increase profits, but it may also impact the team's long-term strategic planning and operational effectiveness.
What's Next?
It remains to be seen whether the Arizona Cardinals will reconsider their leadership structure in the future. Stakeholders, including fans and analysts, may continue to scrutinize the effectiveness of having an owner also serve as team president. The team's performance and operational decisions in the coming seasons could influence whether this model is sustainable or if changes are necessary. Other NFL teams with similar structures may also watch closely to see if the Cardinals' approach yields positive results or if it prompts a shift towards more traditional governance models.
