The Arizona Cardinals' decision to extend contracts for head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim in 2022 is widely considered a blunder. Despite a disappointing recent track record, particularly in the draft, Keim received a new deal, and Kingsbury, with only one winning season, also secured a long-term contract. This move backfired as the team struggled, ultimately leading to the dismissal of both Kingsbury and Keim.
Of the worst decisions for each franchise since 2020, one obvious error stands out: Contract extensions for previous head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim. Between the two, Keim's new deal seemed more curious than that of his head coach. Though the Cardinals were coming off an 11-6 season and a playoff berth, Keim's recent track record in the draft had already looked abysmal.
He had whiffed on his first-rounders in 2016 (Robert Nkemdiche), 2017 (Haason Reddick), 2018 (Josh Rosen) and 2020 (Isaiah Simmons). Reddick had spent years playing out of position before excelling in his final season as an edge rusher, but the team lost him in free agency. His only first-round pick who became a success was Kyler Murray, who was drafted in 2019 to replace Rosen after one season. Kingsbury, likewise, was hired to replace Steve Wilks, who was a one-and-done coach in 2018. 'The Cardinals went 4-13 in 2022. One year after ownership thought the coach and general manager deserved extensions into 2027, one bad season was enough to lead to a total overhaul. The Cardinals fired Kingsbury, while Keim left the team to focus on his health. They gave lengthy extensions to a coach with one winning season and a general manager who already had a questionable track record of recent drafts even before a disaster season, then paid tens of millions of dollars for their deals.', ' wrote Bill Barnwell. It's pretty tough to disagree with Barnwell's pick and rationale, though the Cardinals did do well in not waiting too long to cut ties with both, bringing on new coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort to help turn the tide of the organization. So far so good, though the Kingsbury/Keim era won't be looked at too kindly even as years start to fill the calendar.Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018.
NFL ARIZONA CARDINALS KLIFF KINGSBURY STEVE KEIM CONTRACT EXTENSIONS DRAFT GENERAL MANAGER COACH
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former St. Louis Cardinals Gold Glover Tommy Edman Inks Big Contract with DodgersAfter helping the Dodgers to the World Series championship in 2024, Tommy Edman has gotten a hefty reward from Los Angeles.
Read more »
Cardinals Sign RB James Conner to Significant Contract ExtensionThe Cardinals have signed running back James Conner to a contract extension.
Read more »
Contract Details for Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner RevealedThe Arizona Cardinals will rely on the talents of James Conner - here's what his new contract looks like.
Read more »
Cardinals Eat Over $14M Of Nolan Arenado's Contract In Trade Pitch With NL East FoeAn insider's prediction has the St. Louis Cardinals eating over $14 million of Nolan Arenado's contract in a trade pitch with the Philadelphia Phillies
Read more »
Arizona Cardinals, Budda Baker in Contract TalksThe Arizona Cardinals look to keep their star safety around.
Read more »
Budda Baker Extends Contract With Arizona CardinalsArizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker has signed a three-year contract extension worth $54 million, solidifying his tenure with the team. Baker is a standout player, known for his exceptional tackling abilities and consistent Pro Bowl appearances.
Read more »