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

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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