Cardinals brass returns home after busy start to coaching search

Members of the Arizona Cardinals’ leadership returned from the road on Sunday after spending the past handful of days attempting to dive into interviews for their head coaching vacancy.

There’s been little movement across the NFL in regard to the head coaching openings, as only Jon Gruden has filled one of the six open gigs by taking the Oakland Raiders’ job.

With the help of 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s Mike Jurecki and other reports from over the past several days, here’s what we know about the seven candidates Arizona has reportedly interviewed, those coaches’ other career options and the latest on two candidates the Cardinals hope to interview in the future.

Panthers DC Steve Wilks (no interview): Perhaps the hottest name on the market, Wilks’ status with Carolina being eliminated from the postseason on Sunday via a loss to New Orleans could set a few decisions in motion across the league. In addition to potentially meeting with Arizona, Wilks will reportedly speak with the Lions, Giants and Colts. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports the Giants will meet Wilks, likely on Tuesday, while Arizona could be next.

Falcons special teams coach Keith Armstrong (no interview): A Bruce Arians mentee from the former head coach’s days at Temple, Armstrong will meet with the Cardinals in Atlanta on Monday, reports ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.

Vikings OC Pat Shurmur (Thursday): Per Schefter, the Bears, Lions and Giants join the Cardinals with a shared interest in the Minnesota offensive play-caller who in the past two years coached Sam Bradford and Case Keenum to productive seasons. Shurmur has already interviewed with Detroit and Chicago.

Cardinals DC James Bettcher (Wednesday): Arizona’s first interview with its defensive coordinator was a sign the franchise would be willing to retain some of its current coaching staff, a possibility floated in their interviews with other candidates so far. Bettcher has not been linked to any other job opening as of Sunday.

Eagles QB coach John DeFilippo (Friday): To obtain DeFilippo’s services if they desire, it seems the Cardinals might face the stiffest competition from Chicago, which also interviewed the 39-year-old in hopes he can tutor quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.

Patriots DC Matt Patricia (Saturday): According to NBC’s Mike Florio, New England is bracing to lose Patricia to the Detroit Lions.

Patriots LB coach Brian Flores (Saturday): The 36-year-old has only been linked to Arizona but could also become the defensive coordinator replacement should Patricia leave New England.

Steelers OL coach Mike Munchak (Sunday): The Cardinals are the only team that has shown interest in the 57-year-old Pittsburgh offensive line coach who has three years of NFL head coaching experience with the Tennessee Titans (2011-13).

Eagles DC Jim Schwartz (Friday): It is unlikely the Cardinals would hire Schwartz, but Arizona did meet with the 51-year-old before an interview with DeFilippo. Aside from Arizona, Schwartz’s candidacy has only been linked to New York, where he has yet to set up a formal interview.

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