Steve Sarkisian not a candidate for Cardinals offensive coaching role

Former Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian is not a candidate for an offensive coaching position with the Arizona Cardinals, according to 98.7 FM Arizona Sports Station’s John Gambadoro.

Sarkisian was interviewed Friday by the Cardinals but was passed over for further coaching consideration, per Gambadoro.

A report from ESPN’s Chris Mortensen on Friday had Sarkisian “closing in” on the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator position.

Other reports Saturday, including Gambadoro’s, disputed Mortensen’s report.

ESPN’s Dianna Russini said Sarkisian will head back to Alabama and coach under Nick Saban for the second time.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported that Sarkisian was “unlikely” to join Kliff Kingsbury’s staff as offensive coordinator.

Garafolo added that the Cardinals have spoken to a few candidates, including Sarkisian and former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo.

Arizona reportedly was also interested in Texas State head coach Jake Spavital for an offensive assistant coaching position. Former Green Bay Packers wide receivers coach David Raih and Jets running backs coach Stump Mitchell were also linked to the Cardinals’ coaching search.

Additionally, the team was denied a request to speak with San Francisco 49ers run game coordinator Mike McDaniels, according to reports.

Before serving as offensive coordinator for the Falcons, Sarkisian, 44, was an offensive analyst for Nick Saban’s Alabama program (2016) and USC’s head coach (2014-15). He was previously the Washington Huskies’ head coach (2009-13) and between stints as an assistant at USC (2001-03, 2005-08) had experience as quarterbacks coach of the Oakland Raiders (2004).

Sarkisian was also under consideration for the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator opening.

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