Report: Shurmur expected to be finalist for Cardinals head coaching job

The expectation is that Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur is a finalist for the Arizona Cardinals’ open head coaching position, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport notes that his expectation is Shurmur will be a finalist and one of the coaches to participate in a second round of interviews by the Cardinals.

Shurmur, of course, is one of the hottest names out there for head coach openings and Arizona isn’t the only team that is high on him.

The New York Giants is reportedly “in very good standing” inside the Giants’ building, better than most would expect.

Shurmur is one of nine known candidates to interview for the Cardinals job. One of those other names is Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who Rapoport also believes is likely to get another interview.

Wilks and Shurmur continue to generate buzz, as it’s a possibility for Wilks to have another interview with the Giants as well. It was reported that Wilks was expected to have an interview with the Colts, but that is no longer the case.

The 52-year-old Shurmur is in his first year as Minnesota’s offensive coordinator after serving as the interim the season prior. His previous titles in the NFL include head coach of the Cleveland Browns and offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Known for getting the best out of quarterbacks, Shurmur has had quarterback Case Keenum thrive this year with 3,547 passing yards for 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Shurmur, along with six other known candidates, have playoff games to worry about this weekend. Wilks and Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher are the only two whose teams are not in the playoffs.

Follow @KellanOlson