CARDINALS CORNER

Daboll: Cardinals head coach candidate Mike Kafka ‘a tireless worker’

Feb 10, 2023, 8:30 PM | Updated: 8:46 pm

Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka of the New York Giants looks on during warmups of a preseason game...

Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka of the New York Giants looks on during warmups of a preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium on August 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — The Arizona Cardinals’ head-coaching search is nearing its conclusion.

Soon after Super Bowl LVII and the festivities surrounding the big game wrap up we should know who will be tasked with turning the organization around in 2023 and beyond.

After all the stone unturning, two finalists remain, one of which being New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.

Kafka had already been a hot topic in the desert this week, having worked alongside Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne, but on Thursday his current head coach in Brian Daboll pulled back the curtain a little bit on what Arizona could be getting if they hire the OC.

“First of all, he’s a great person, great family man, extremely bright individual, played the quarterback position at Northwestern, learned under coach (Andy Reid) and did a fantastic job for us for our staff this year,” Daboll said while on the NFL Honors red carpet.

“I know he’s a tireless worker, he’s extremely bright, he’s good with the quarterback,” Daboll added. “He was a great person to have on our staff.”

And even if the Cardinals decide against Kafka and instead opt for Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Cardinals Ring of Honor member and Hall of Famer Kurt Warner believes the team can’t go wrong with either.

“I’ve heard great things about them. I know people who played under them or know them personally, so I think that’s exciting.

“I don’t really have a front runner. To me, I’m always excited when new guys get opportunities.”

Cardinals Corner

Marvin Harrison Jr. speaks with reporters after getting drafted at No. 4 overall by the Arizona Car...

Tyler Drake

Marvin Harrison ecstatic to be a Cardinal, Kyler Murray’s newest WR1

Marvin Harrison Jr. is ready to follow in former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's footsteps.

7 hours ago

Marvin Harrison Jr. poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected fourth overall b...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals select Marvin Harrison Jr. with 4th pick in 2024 NFL Draft

The Arizona Cardinals held at the No. 4 pick and selected Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft.

11 hours ago

Kyler Murray celebrates...

Tyler Drake

Kyler Murray ahead of NFL Draft: ‘Something about today just feels right’

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray isn't shy about making his opinions known when it comes to improving the roster through the NFL Draft.

18 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort speaks at the NFL Combine...

Tyler Drake

NFL mock draft tracker: What will the Cardinals do with the No. 4 pick?

A look at the players being mocked to the Arizona Cardinals at No. 4 overall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

19 hours ago

Monti Ossenfort looks on...

Tyler Drake

What trade packages could the Cardinals potentially get for the No. 4 NFL Draft pick?

What could the Cardinals get in a trade for the No. 4 overall pick? A look at the teams that might be interested and what it would cost.

1 day ago

Monti Ossenfort chats with Michael Bidwill pregame...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals Corner: Best- and worst-case scenarios for Cardinals’ NFL Draft

Cardinals Corner co-hosts Tyler Drake and Lauren Koval break down the best- and worst-case scenarios for Arizona this NFL Draft.

1 day ago

Daboll: Cardinals head coach candidate Mike Kafka ‘a tireless worker’