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The field narrows: Update on the Arizona Cardinals' search for a new head coach

Posted at 1:43 PM, Jan 17, 2018
and last updated 2018-01-17 18:14:27-05

Two and a half weeks after Bruce Arians announced his retirement, the Arizona Cardinals' search for a new head coach rolls on.

The Cardinals have reportedly interviewed at least nine candidates for the job, and you can learn more about all nine of those men here. Several of those candidates have reportedly been offered a second interview with the Cards, while others have agreed to take jobs elsewhere.

Here's what we know about the status all each candidate. (Keep in mind that the Cardinals are unable to officially hire a coach whose team is still in the playoffs until that team's season is over.)

-Pat Shurmur: ABC15 sports director Craig Fouhy learned the Vikings' offensive coordinator is the Cardinals' No. 1 choice to replace Arians, but Shurmur is reportedly set to become the New York Giants' next head coach.

-Mike Munchak: The Cardinals reportedly sought a second interview with Munchak, the Steelers' offensive line coach -- but Munchak reportedly turned the Cards down.

-Steve Wilks: Fouhy learned the Panthers' defensive coordinator is right behind Shurmur on the Cardinals' wish list, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Wilks will likely interview with the Cardinals a second time. Wilks is also reportedly a candidate for the Titans' head coaching vacancy.

-John DeFilippo: With Shurmur and Munchak possibly out, the Eagles' quarterbacks coach may be moving up the Cardinals' list. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported DeFilippo has earned a second interview with the Cards.

-Brian Flores: The Patriots' linebackers coach is also reportedly trending up in the Cardinals' coaching search. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the 36-year-old Flores is now "in play" for the Cardinals following Munchak's decision to decline a second interview.

-Keith Armstrong: The Falcons' special-teams coach also appears to be a strong candidate, as Rapoport reported Armstrong will have a second interview with the Cardinals on Friday.

-Jim Schwartz: The Eagles defensive coordinator reportedly interviewed for the Cardinals job last week, but not much has been heard since about Schwartz's status with the Cards since then.

-James Bettcher: Arians has advocated for Bettcher, the Cardinals' defensive coordinator, to become Arizona's next head coach. Bettcher reportedly interviewed for the job, but like Schwartz, it's unclear whether he'll receive a second interview.

-Matt Patricia: The Patriots' defensive coordinator interviewed with the Cardinals but appears set to become the Detroit Lions' next head coach.