Bruce Arians honored by PFWA for professional style

Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is a fun coach to cover from a media standpoint. He is not afraid to speak candidly and is always a good quote. He doesn't always tell the truth, but he makes for interesting writiing.

The Profession Football Writers of America (PFWA) voted and was selected at the 2015 Jack Horrigan Award winner.

Arians becomes the 42nd winner of the award, given annually to the league/club official for his or her qualities and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their job. The award's namesake was a sportswriter for United Press International and the Buffalo Evening News, who later became public relations director for the American Football League (1963-66) and vice president of public relations for the Buffalo Bills (1966-73).

"I appreciate this honor and everyone associated with it," said Arians. "My approach to the press has always been pretty simple: respect the job they have, be yourself and have fun with it. I try not more to make it more complicated than that."

Arians becomes the first member of the Cardinals organization ever to receive this accolade. He is also the first individual honored with the Horrigan Award and Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year in the same year.

Other finalists for this year's Jack Horrigan Award were John Fox (Chicago Bears head coach), John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens head coach), Mike Mayock (NFL Network analyst) and Joe Horrigan (Pro Football Hall of Fame EVP).

I have had the chance to work with two Cardinals head coaches -- Arians and Ken Whisenhunt. Both were easy to work with. They answer questions and they respect what the media does. Arians is a blast to cover. That's how we get "no risk it, no biscuit," quotes about dogs with guns, being a liar, playing soccer in the spring and more.

I don't ever talk to any other head coaches, but I can't imagine anyone who makes it easier to write.