From Kent Somers of
The Arizona Republic:
The Cardinals' offensive staff could undergo a major shuffling in the next few weeks as coaches depart and others take on new assignments.
Quarterbacks coach Jeff Rutledge has been fired, according to sources. The Cardinals already are looking for an offensive coordinator to replace Todd Haley, who became the Chiefs
head coach last week.
Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt is expected to fill Haley's position from within, which will create another opening. Candidates for the job include assistant head coach/offensive line Russ Grimm, receivers coach Mike Miller, running backs coach Maurice Carthon and tight ends coach Freddie Kitchens.
Whisenhunt is considering shifting offensive assistant Dedric Ward to receivers coach, and moving Miller to another position.
Ward is close with Haley, and Haley is expected to try to hire him. Ward, however, is under contract, so the Cardinals don't have to let him go.
Ward played receiver in the
NFL for eight seasons.
Whisenhunt also is looking for a defensive coordinator to replace Clancy Pendergast, who was fired last week. He is expected to interview linebackers coach Bill Davis and secondary coach Teryl Austin.
Reports that the Cardinals have asked the Steelers for permission to interview linebackers coach Keith Butler for the coordinator job could not be confirmed.
Feb 10, 2009
09:31 PM
Seems unusual for Arizona to do a coaching purge when they are facing a loss of players as well. The Cardinals aren't facing any cap issues and they have one of the better places to play ball in. From the outside looking in, maybe Hotel Cardsinzona is booking rooms.