After going through a disappointing 2022 season, the Arizona Cardinals decided to fire head coach Kliff Kingsbury on Thursday.
Right away, he is attracting some interest around the league, and according to Ian Rapoport, the Houston Texans are interviewing Kingsbury for their vacant offensive coordinator role.
From Super Bowl Live: On an eventful day for the #Texans, as they interview Kliff Kingsbury and find their new defensive coordinator. pic.twitter.com/GWzQ4sf5NO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 10, 2023
The Cardinals were perhaps hoping to make the playoffs this season, but they had several issues to deal with.
First, wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has been one of their main weapons since arriving prior to the 2020 campaign, was suspended for the first six games of the schedule after violating the NFL’s policy regarding performance-enhancing substances.
Late in the season, quarterback Kyler Murray tore his ACL, and his status for training camp and the start of next season seems to be in doubt as a result.
Arizona ended up finishing with a 4-13 record, which put them in last place in the NFC West.
The Texans recently hired DeMeco Ryans, who had spent the last two years as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, to be their head coach, and Ryans is likely looking to build a winning culture.
Kingsbury spent four years at the helm of the Cardinals, and it was just last season when he led them to an 11-6 finish and a playoff spot.
That year, they ranked eighth in total yards and first downs, as well as third in rushing touchdowns.
Houston’s main weapon right now seems to be rookie Dameon Pierce, who put up 939 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in 13 games this season.
After directing a strong running game in Arizona, perhaps Kinsbury could help Houston climb back to respectability.
