Months after signing general manager Steve Keim and head coach Kliff Kingsbury to long-term contract extensions, the Arizona Cardinals emphatically hit the reset button.
Kingsbury was fired after posting a 4-13 record — and ending the regular season with seven consecutive losses — in 2022 in an eventful Monday for the organization. General manager Steve Keim will also be replaced.
The Cardinals issued a statement on Twitter: “We have announced that head coach Kliff Kingsbury has been relieved of his duties. In addition, General Manager Steve Keim has decided to step away from his position in order to focus on his health. The team wishes them well and thanks both of them for their contributions.”
Kingsbury was 28-37-1 in Arizona.
The moves stand as a seismic and sudden shift for an organization that locked up the leadership duo with five-year contract extensions through the 2027 season. At the time, owner Michael Bidwill said the Cardinals were “looking forward to continuing that progress and recognize these two individuals will be a big part of achieving our long-term goals as an organization.”
Keim has been away from the team due to a health-related issue. Keim could be offered another role in the front office and has been with the organization since 1999. He spent the past 10 seasons as general manager.
Kingsbury was hired by Keim and his contract ran concurrent with Keim’s. Arizona experienced a collective nosedive in 2022 considering the Cardinals were 11-6 in 2021 and made the playoffs.
But the Cardinals ended the regular season with seven consecutive losses and have the third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
NFL Network reported Sunday night that Bidwill has done “homework” on multiple coaching candidates, including former New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton. The Saints are reportedly asking for a first-round pick to allow Payton out of his contract.
It’s unclear whether Bidwill would be willing to part with a first-round draft pick in the top 5.
The Cardinals signed quarterback Kyler Murray to a long-term deal before the 2022 season. Murray and Kingsbury have been outwardly contentious in gameday exchanges this season, dismissing the animated conversations and gestures as competitive fire.
Murray tore the ACL and meniscus in his right knee on Dec. 12 and could be recovering from the season-ending knee injury into July. Kingsbury said last week Murray “probably” won’t be ready for the start of the 2023 season.
–Field Level Media
