The 2nd order effects of our coaching mis-steps have really shaped the league in recent years

I was thinking that while we hope for the best, at this stage the only guaranteed winner from our search will be the Broncos. They keep their window open, their record setting defense in tact and their fan base happy without having to open the wallet too much. Plus the rare outcome of keeping a PFWA Assistant Coach of the Year (possibly the best predictor of head coach success) on staff.

That got me thinking to previous hiring decisions.

In 2023, while Eagles fans and players famously celebrated us taking Gannon off their hands, that doubled when they got Fangio and a ring.

While Vance in 2023 was a sham interview (they all were) letting Denver get him completely re-shaped the AFC West, a division once thought an foregone conclusion until Mahomes hangs it up. If not for one injury, they at least get to the dance though I'd doubt they win it.

We scared Dan Quinn away prior to his 2nd interview, allowing the Commanders to hire him and head to the NFC championship.

Other interviewees contributed to play-off calibre teams as co-ordinators.

In 2019, we went with K2 over Zac Taylor (A trip to the SB and another AFC Championship game), Bieniemy got two rings after the fact and Dan Campbell's (a championship game) success and tree looks to be playing out over the next few years.

While 2018 was a weaker class with Wilks, Armstrong won a ring in Tampa, the majority of the rest remained solid cooridinators on winning programs.

In terms of impact, 5 of the last 6 Superbowls have been directly impacted by our HC searches, 7 of the last 12 teams to make the AFC Championship games and 4 of the last 12 teams to make the NFC Championship game. That doesn't include the 6 NFC West teams to have made it in the last five years, indirectly effected by our coaching choices.

This is a record that surely no other team can touch and hopefully one that continues after this hire, but in a more positive way for the Cardinals faithful.