New Year's Arizona Cardinals news: Coaching changes and that's about it

It is New Year's Day. The Arizona Cardinals are looking for a head coach and a general manager. Here are some links from around the Web.

Cardinals:

Word From the Birds Blog | The Whisenhunt/Graves era ends
The Cardinals needed to make some changes. That’s what happens after struggles and non-playoff years and extended losing streaks. But make no mistake, both Ken Whisenhunt and Rod Graves deserve to get credit for where this team was a few years ago, during division titles and a run to a Super Bowl. They had help from their players and coaches, yes, but they were part of the equation.

Word From the Birds Blog | The Kevin Kolb question
Quarterback will be one of the central issues around the new coach and general manager of the Cardinals. That’s obvious. It was obvious to former coach Ken Whisenhunt, who mentioned over and over the need for more consistent quarterback play, and for team president Michael Bidwill, who noted during his press conference one of the requirements for his new decision-makers will be about "not just finding but also developing quarterbacks."

Cardinals brace for changes, cling to hope
Cardinals players brace for roster, staff changes but express hope for team moving forward.

Cardinals clean house, fire Whisenhunt, Graves
Head coach Ken Whisenhunt, GM Rod Graves fired by Cardinals following 5-11 season.

Potential candidates for Cardinals head coaching job - ArizonaSports.com
Whomever the franchise hires as the new GM will have a long and impressive list of candidates to choose from to replace the winningest coach in team history.

Ken Whisenhunt, Rod Graves Relieved Of Duties
Bidwill makes changes; Offensive assistants also out

Thanks for everything Whiz, but it was time for a change - ArizonaSports.com
It's always difficult when someone loses their job -- yes, even multi-millionaires like Ken Whisenhunt. But the time had come.

Arizona Cardinals defenders hope Horton stays - ArizonaSports.com
To a man, everyone on the defense was hopeful Horton would not go anywhere. Linebacker Daryl Washington said "hopefully he somehow does stay" and cornerback Patrick Peterson lamented the fact that the defense would have to start over if Horton left.

What do the Arizona Cardinals have to offer? | Insiders
Head coaching candidates evaluate many factors when considering jobs, but none of them are more important than the quarterback position. Does the team have one? Does it have the means (high draft pick) to get one?

Thoughts on Whisenhunt, Graves firings | Insiders
Kent Somers from the Arizona Republic chimes in.

NFL:

TAKEAWAYS: Happy 2013 to everyone who gets a new coach or GM - SBNation.com
In this edition of Takeaways Robert Wheel recaps every game from Week 17 and congratulates everyone who gets a new coach or GM.

Official: San Diego Chargers Have Fired Their Head Coach and General Manager - Bolts From The Blue
It's official! The Norv Turner and A.J. Smith will not return to the San Diego Chargers in 2013.

Black Monday: The future of the Chicago Bears - Windy City Gridiron
Lovie Smith has been fired in Chicago.

Monday Morning Jones: Tony Romo, the Falcons and the NFL MVP - SBNation.com
Same ol' Tony Romo. Same ol' Falcons and Texans. But there's a brand new NFL MVP, and Adrian Peterson will get another crack at the Packers next week. That and more in the Monday Morning Jones.

Chan Gailey Fired: Buffalo Bills Begin Off-Season Changes - Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills have fired head coach Chan Gailey after three seasons and a 16-32 overall record. His entire coaching staff has been fired, as well.

Andy Reid officially fired as Eagles coach - Bleeding Green Nation
Andy Reid is out as Eagles head coach, a position he has held since 1999, the team announced this morning. "Andy Reid won the most games of any head coach in Eagles' history and he is someone I...

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