MONTREAL — The Arizona Cardinals have fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury and agreed to end their association with general manager Steve Keim after a miserable season marked by constant unwanted headlines, a serious injury to a knee from star quarterback Kyler Murray and a lot of losses.
The Cardinals announced those decisions on Monday.
In a press release, the Cardinals clarified that Keim had decided to leave office in order to focus on his health.
The 43-year-old Kingsbury, who signed a contract extension last year, ended his reign in Arizona with a 28-37-1 overall record in four seasons.
In 2022, the Cardinals finished their campaign with a 4-13 record, including a 38-13 loss Sunday at San Francisco.
The 50-year-old Keim also received a contract extension last year. He had worked with the Cardinals since 1999 and served as general manager since 2013.
He took medical leave in December, but the team did not specify the reasons.
Joe Woods bails out in Cleveland
The Cleveland Browns fired defensive coordinator Joe Woods on Monday after his group’s miscommunication and inability to stop the ground game contributed significantly to a 7-10 record and a playoff exclusion. of the National Football League for the second year in a row.
The 52-year-old Woods was one of the first assistants hired by head coach Kevin Stefanski in 2020. However, the Browns’ defensive unit struggled early in the season, which led the team to a 17th campaign with at least 10 losses since the organization’s revival via expansion in 1999.
Stefanski, who has come under fire for his play choices, was spared the end of a season marred by the 11-game NFL suspension of quarterback Deshaun Watson.
The Browns moved quickly in hopes of finding him a successor. On Monday, they approached four organizations for permission to conduct interviews.
Retired pees
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees has decided to retire after his second season with the club.
The 73-year-old puts an end to his 50-year career in football. He coached 16 years in the NFL, after 34 years in the college ranks.
——————————
With contributions from Associated Press sportswriters David Brandt (Tempe), Tom Withers (Berea).