The list of NFL teams that now need a coach keeps growing. The Arizona Cardinals are certainly on that list as they axed Jonathan Gannon on Black Monday.
The job now is to make a short list of candidates the team is interested in, set up interviews either virtually or in person, and then pare the list down to just a few. This link provides a complete list of who the Cardinals are interested in:
RELATED: CARDINALS HEAD COACHING SEARCH UPDATE
The big question seems to be whether Arizona should go after
an offense-minded guy or someone who is more defense-oriented.
One of the names on their list is Seattle Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak.
Why hire an offensive head coach?
One thing the NFL wants to make sure of every year is that the scoreboard lights up often. Nobody is interested in a 1-1 pitcher’s duel. They just aren’t. So, if the scoring can be something like 38-35 in every contest, yeah, for our side.
And in doing so, the NFL has slanted rules over the decades to assist the offensive side of the ball.
The defense can’t grab a facemask, or even touch it for that matter, but an offensive player can use a stiff arm, and as long as they don’t grab hold, it is a legal maneuver. We asked Derrick Henry, and he confirmed. A defender can’t touch a QB’s helmet. Can’t land on him either during a sack. Five yards to harass a receiver and then let him go? Throw the ball out of bounds as a defender is wrangling the QB towards the turf? Defenders’ limited use of their helmets. Penalties that used to be just yardage now have an automatic first-down kicker. And on-and-on.
If the Cardinals hire an offensive-minded head coach, the rules lean favoritism towards that side of the ball.
An offensive coach will have experience with not only quarterbacks, but also a process of dealing with younger signalcallers. The Cardinals may or may not have Kyler Murray in training camp next season, but Jacoby Brissett is signed for one more season, along with youngster Kedon Slovis. It is also possible that Arizona will select a young buck in this year’s NFL draft, especially since the club owns the #3 overall pick in the first round. They also own the second selection in Round 2 (#34), and the first pick in the third round (#65).
Why wouldn’t the franchise want to pursue the most likely routes? An experienced offensive coordinator with a history of quarterback success should fit the bill. Then, he can build a quality staff and install one offensive scheme. It is proven that NFL teams with good offensive coaches are more likely to have a good quarterback who has been worked with, which is the most important position in sports.
And isn’t it true that offensive-minded coaches are more aggressive? Defensive coaches are more conservative when their team is on offense, and analytics seem to show that a more aggressive approach leads to more wins.
The right choice for Arizona?
So, let’s just get right to the meat and potatoes. The Cardinals could hire Klint Kubiak, the current OC of the Seattle Seahawks.
Kubiak is an up-and-coming coordinator with a track record of developing QBs and running productive offenses. He has pro coaching in his blood as his dad, Gary Kubiak, played quarterback with the Denver Broncos for years behind John Elway, then he coached in the league for 26 years with head coaching stints with the Broncos and Houston Texans. His son is one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL.
Last year, Kubiak was being mentioned as a possible candidate for several head coaching positions. He is a talented play-caller but has never held a head coaching position at any level, but has been the OC with the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and the Seahawks. He offers discipline and game preparedness.
With Seattle earning the #1 seed and getting a weekend off, Kubiak can interview this week.
Kubiak has had to manage the roller coaster ride of QB Sam Darnold this year. This would be helpful if Murray does return or if the club uses Brissett as a bridge QB instead. Kubiak has also been instrumental in the development of the Seahawks’ offensive line, which Arizona will need to address this offseason in a major way. Plus, he has developed their two-headed running back pair in Kenneth Walker/Zach Charbonnet. The Cardinals have their own dynamic duo in the veteran James Conner and Trey Benson, who still needs to develop.
A good hire
Kubiak could easily step out on his own and is considered one of the top offensive candidates this cycle. He would need to find a very good defensive coordinator to run that side of the ball, and the Cardinals will need to invest heavily in the offensive line and settle the quarterback situation.
The thing to notice about Kubiak’s offense is that he places the quarterback in a position to succeed. He is respected in the league for his creativity. He is influenced by his father’s pedigree in understanding West Coast principles and the ability to adapt as the game unfolds.
His offensive scheme is similar to Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers in that it is play-action, heavy pre-snap shifts and motion, blocking is wide zone, uses 12-personnel quite a bit, with a mix of shotgun and taking snaps under center, designed to keep the quarterback moving. But it also requires athletic offensive linemen who are physical and can adjust.
Basically, Kubiak’s offense systematically attacks defenses by creating leverage and exploiting space. His quarterback play relies on quick decisions and some ability to scramble if needed, with some designed runs and rollouts. By getting Kubiak, the Cardinals are basically installing the Shanahan scheme.
By being in full control of the offense, his offensive philosophy could align with the Cardinals’ personnel.
