<
>

Field of Cardinals coaching candidates narrows after Mike Munchak withdraws

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Another candidate for the Arizona Cardinals' head-coaching job is out of the race.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak turned down a second interview with the Cardinals, according to ESPN NFL Insider Chris Mortensen. The news of Munchak’s decision came on the same day that the Steelers decided not to renew offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s contract.

With Munchak out of contention, six candidates whom the Cardinals have interviewed remain that haven’t been connected to other head-coaching openings: Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher, New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores, Atlanta Falcons special-teams coordinator Keith Armstrong and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia has been linked to the Detroit Lions opening while Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur has been connected to the New York Giants job.

The Cardinals cannot conduct a second interview with any coaches still in the playoffs until Monday at the earliest.