Arizona Cardinals coach staff is rated as make-or-break by a CBS Sports analyst in 2024.
NFL fans typically have a general idea of how each organization is run when they consider the ownership and player structures of each NFL team. Some teams, including the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens, have been managed well from the top down. Conversely, in recent years, it has been difficult for clubs like the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears to succeed.
When evaluating a team’s overall performance, one aspect that must be taken into account is the coaching staff. The Arizona Cardinals, under the direction of head coach Jonathan Gannon, are in a position where they can truly demonstrate their ability to lead the best team in the league. Once they acquire some playmakers in free agency through the draft, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and defensive coordinator Nick Rallis will be seeking to demonstrate their respective teams’ capabilities.
An analysis by Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports included a ranking of every NFL coaching staff. “Creme of the crop,” “pretty good, but come with some questions,” “promising outlook,” “new with plenty to prove,” “2024 to be defining season,” and “last chance before changes?” were the categories that were listed.
“2024 to be defining season” was written about the coaching staff of the Cardinals. Despite Kyler Murray missing half of the previous season, the Cardinals finished 4-13 in that campaign. They also sent linebacker Isaiah Simmons to the New York Giants in exchange for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who they later released.
Given that three of their victories came against playoff opponents, this is hardly the most accurate assessment based on a single season without much firepower. The NFL is under more pressure to perform than it was in the past, so even if the Cardinals were to strengthen their roster and remain unsuccessful, their coaching staff might still be under pressure by 2025.
