Chris Miller's Departure Means Todd Haley's Return -- Right?

by Jess Root on Jan 10, 2012 10:00 AM MST in General Arizona Cardinals News

When word hit that the Arizona Cardinals had let go QB coach Chris Miller, it all but cemented in everyone's mind that recently fired Kansas City Chiefs head coach Todd Haley would be returning to Arizona to run the offense and reunite with Ken Whisenhunt. The two coached their way to a Super Bowl and then Haley punched his ticket to run his own team.

Haley's return seems like a no-brainer. The Cardinals have indicated that they would like him back. However, no formal offer has been made.

The firing of Miller without a Haley contract means this -- Miller wasn't coming back even if Haley doesn't return.

It isn't really surprising, as the Cardinals had inconsistent quarterback play all season. It also indicates the commitment of Whisenhunt to Mike Miller, who was promoted to offensive coordinator last offseason -- at least for now.

While Arizona clearly would like to have him back, they haven't actually spoken with him, according to NFL sources.

Haley is a possible candidate for the New York Jets offensive coordinator position, that is if Brian Schottenheimer does note return. he also remains interested in a head coaching position, but has yet to interview for any vacancies.

It would appear that he is keeping his options open for something better.

In the meantime, as Kent Somers has noted, the Cards are not desperate and it is not known whether they will sit and wait for Haley.

Darren Urban noted that on the current staff, the only coach with a connection to the quarterback position is current TE coach Freddie Kitchens, who played QB in college. Obviously, it would seem likely that the Cards would (and should) bring in a quarterbacks guy. Haley has not coached quarterbacks.

If you were wondering whether Mike Miller could be moved to QB coach, he is not experienced at that position, but has been a passing game coordinator.

This would seem to indicate that the Miller firing is not connected at all to Haley. It could also indicate that Mike Miller could be another casualty if Haley returns.

Haley's return is still far from a sure thing, but there is still time. The coaching staff is off this week, but it would make sense to have the offensive staff complete by the week of the Senior Bowl (the week of Jan 28).

I imagine we will know by then.

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Comments

People seem to think Haley did all that...

I seem to remember a guy named Kurt that would change plays at the line, not running what was called. Then there was this other guy Q, and one more Steve was it? The playoff run and Superbowl was because of those three and Fitz doing some magical things. I also remember Haley getting mad when the plays would be changed even if they worked. Though I do like that he will get in someones face when they mess up, we don’t have a coach that has ever thought about that. I really don’t think him coming back would work out the way people think. And lets be honest there is going to be a lot of people that as soon as we don’t make it to the playoffs will blame him and run him out of town. But we do need to get Mike Miller out of here.

by tallfreak on Jan 10, 2012 10:47 AM MST reply actions

I think Mike Miller has done an okay job

I would prefer Haley, and am all for him taking the spot, but Miller hasn’t really done anything to lose it. Considering how inconsistent QB play has been all season, it is really quite impressive how many points we were able to put up. He have definitely been able to produce a lot more big plays this season on offense compared to last season. And it has felt like a majority of those have come from good play design and not necessarily great throws or amazing catches (although Fitz has certainly produced a lot of those this season too)

Also I completely disagree with you giving most of the credit for our super-bowl run offense solely to Kurt and the receivers. I think it was 2 parts Kurt and the receivers, 1 part Haley. Kurt Warner was certainly what made that offense so special, but we clearly lost something the next year without Haley. We were never as explosive. Some people have pointed to Warner’s supposed shoulder injury and subsequent unwillingness to throw it downfield, but I think it was more due to Haley’s departure.

by Phil7178 on Jan 10, 2012 2:52 PM MST up reply actions

Given our QB play and lack of improvement this isn't a surprise move...

regardless of Haley coming here or not. What is surprising is that Grimm is still on staff after 5 years of some of the worst O-line play in the league. For the first time that I’ve seen an article by Green today finally gets Grimm called out in the media, something that is long overdue. He was a great player but has been a lousy O-line coach both in demanding real talent from the draft team and/or free agency. Time for Grimm to go.

http://arizonasports.com/64/1485142/Oline-is-Grimm-Change-on-staff-should-begin-up-front

by Birdman2 on Jan 10, 2012 10:55 AM MST reply actions