Andy Reid, who was fired on Monday by the Philadelphia Eagles, has emerged as the front-runner to become the next head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, according to league sources and multiple media outlets.
There have been multiple reports stating that Reid will end up accepting the job offer from the Cardinals, with a deal being in sight by the end of the week.
But the Cardinals insist that there is no clear front-runner at this time and the search for a new coach is still in the beginning stages. That may change come Wednesday as Reid is set to interview for the position.
The Cardinals officially began their interview process on Tuesday with defensive coordinator Ray Horton. This came one day after the Cardinals fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt after six seasons with the team. The team will also interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy over the weekend, who is also a candidate for the Cleveland Browns coaching vacancy.
Reid, who spent 14 seasons with the Eagles, has wasted no time in assembling a coaching staff. He told potential assistants that an announcement could come fast, according to one assistant close with ESPN.
If Reid is offered the job and decides to accept the position, he will be familiar with the Arizona area because his wife Tammy is from the Phoenix area.
Reid would also be reunited with former Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb. Kolb has struggled with the Cardinals since signing a five-year deal following a trade from Philly in 2011. Kolb threw eight touchdowns and three interceptions in six games this season. He is set to make $11 million dollars for coming season, $2 million of which is a roster bonus, but the Cardinals are expected to try and restructure his contract during the offseason.
For now Cardinals president Michael Bidwill still has faith in Kolb’s abilities as a quarterback.
“I’m not ready to give up on Kevin Kolb yet,” Bidwill said Monday.
The Cardinals began the season with 4-0 start but lost 11 of 12 to finish the 5-11 for the second time in three seasons. This led to Whisenhunt’s dismal after going 45-41 in six seasons and 4-2 in the playoffs.
But Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald points the blame at the entire team and not just Whisenhunt.
“We all shoulder the blame for a disappointing season which began with such promise,” Fitzgerald tweeted.
