Following the Bengals' AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati's coordinators are getting a shot at a head coaching job.
The Arizona Cardinals requested interviews with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and offensive coordinator Brian Callahan for their vacant head coaching position, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero and Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager reported Monday.
Arizona plans to interview Anarumo on Wednesday and Callahan on Thursday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport added.
Frankly, it's overdue for Anarumo to get an interview this cycle. The Bengals DC for the past four seasons has been one of the most underrated play-callers in the NFL. Despite Cincy boasting just one elected Pro Bowler, Trey Hendrickson, Anarumo's defense has been stellar, befuddling top-tier quarterbacks. During the Bengals' 10-game win streak before Sunday's loss, the defense allowed more than 24 points just once.
Meanwhile, Callahan helped lead an explosive Cincy offense playing to the strengths of Joe Burrow, exploiting defenses with its trio of pass catchers, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Callahan is also a candidate for the Indianapolis Colts' head coaching job and is slated to receive a second interview there.
In non-Bengals coordinator interview news, Arizona is also scheduled to interview New York Giants offensive Mike Kafka on Tuesday, per Pelissero.
Since parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury, the Cards have cast a wide net in their head coaching search, including interviews with former Saints coach Sean Payton, Broncos DC Ejiro Evero, Steelers senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach Brian Flores, Lions DC Aaron Glenn and current DC Vance Joseph. They also requested an interview with 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans, Cowboys DC Dan Quinn, who will remain in Dallas, and Frank Reich, whom Carolina hired.
