ARIZONA CARDINALS

Former Cardinal Warner understands why Whisenhunt was fired

Jan 9, 2013, 6:09 PM | Updated: 7:24 pm

On Tuesday afternoon, NFL Network analyst Kurt Warner joined Arizona Sports 620’s Doug & Wolf to discuss his former team and the changes it has made.

Warner — being the player and man that he is — had strong feelings towards the hiring of Steve Keim and firing of his former coach, Ken Whisenhunt.

He understood the due process of head coaching positions in the NFL, and knew the reasoning behind the Cardinals’ immediate actions after a second 5-11 season in three years.

“When you’re struggling, that’s what people are going to remember first,” Warner said for the reason behind Whisenhunt’s firing, amongst others across the league. “That’s obviously why he (Whisenhunt) doesn’t have a job here in Arizona.”

While the firing was rightfully earned in Warner’s eyes, he says it doesn’t deplete the value of Whisenhunt’s stock.

“Look what coach Whisenhunt did here with this organization. No success for however long, he comes in, turns it around, wins a couple division championships, goes to the Super Bowl,” Warner said. “(He) did some amazing things that nobody has really done here before. That to me is why you have to give a strong look to somebody like Coach Whisenhunt.”

Outside of Whisenhunt and the Cardinals, the other six head coaching vacancies came due to lackluster performances throughout — or to close out — the season.

Presented By
Western Governors University

Arizona Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort talks to reporters...

Tyler Drake

Monti Ossenfort keeping trade options open as Cardinals’ draft board nears completion

The Arizona Cardinals have about 95% of their draft board completed about a week out from the NFL Draft and continue to look at all avenues.

8 minutes ago

Monti Ossenfort looks on during the 2023 NFL Draft Combine...

Tyler Drake

Daniel Jeremiah: NFL Draft is Cardinals’ moment to set up franchise for years to come

The 2024 NFL Draft marks a big set-your-franchise-up situation for the Arizona Cardinals, says NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah.

4 hours ago

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill speaks at a press conference...

Tyler Drake

Michael Bidwill: Cardinals ‘aligned on getting this thing right’ in 2024

Michael Bidwill believes the Cardinals aren't that far off from really turning things around under Jonathan Gannon and Monti Ossenfort.

1 day ago

Marvin Harrison Jr....

Nick Borgia

Marvin Harrison Jr. remains Cardinals top pick in latest ESPN mock

With the 2024 NFL draft just around the corner, ESPN's latest mock draft details what could be in store for the Cardinals' first six picks.

2 days ago

Rome Odunze...

Kevin Zimmerman

Peter Schrager’s NFL mock draft has a surprising Cardinals trade-down with Giants

Peter Schrager believes the New York Giants could trade with the Arizona Cardinals, who move down to the No. 6 pick to select Rome Odunze.

2 days ago

Trey McBride works out...

Tyler Drake

Tweaked process, same message: Cardinals begin strength and conditioning program

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon isn't the biggest believer in picking up where you left off, especially on a year-to-year basis.

3 days ago

Former Cardinal Warner understands why Whisenhunt was fired