Cardinals hire exPatriots scout Monti ssenfort as General Manager; head coach decision is next

Monti Ossenfort, the new general manager of the Arizona Cardinals has been hired. The Cardinals announced the decision on Monday.

Ossenfort, who was the director of player personnel at the Tennessee Titans for three seasons, joins Cardinals. Ossenfort was previously a part of the New England Patriots’ scouting team from 2006-19, and one season in 2003. Ossenfort was a member of the staff that saw the Patriots win four Super Bowls.

Ossenfort has 21 year experience in player personnel and NFL scouting. Steve Keim, who resigned this week, was replaced by Ossenfort. alongside the dismissal of head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Keim served as Arizona’s general managers for 10 seasons. With Kyler Murray as quarterback, he oversaw the Kingsbury era which saw the Cardinals reach one playoff appearance in just four seasons.

The Cardinals are now 4-13 after a disappointing playoff appearance which was ended by a lopsided loss to Los Angeles Rams (wild-card round) They signed Murray to a $230 million contract extension Last offseason

“It was critical-important that we find the right person for us as general managers and there is no question in my mind that that we have that in Monti Ossenfort,” Michael Bidwill (Cardinals owner) stated in a statement.

Ossenfort will first need to hire a coach. They have committed to Murray as quarterback and will work to change the culture within the locker room following the disappointments of the Kingsbury era.

According to multiple reportsDeMeco, San Francisco 49ers defense coordinator, has been interviewed by the Cardinals. They have also requested permission to interview Sean Payton, former Saints head coach, and Brian Flores Steelers defensive coordinator. Flores previously coached the Miami Dolphins. Vance Joseph, Cardinals defensive coordinator, is also being considered for the job.