The Arizona Cardinals extended head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim through the 2027 campaign, the organization announced Wednesday.
The Cardinals were 11-6 in 2021 and reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
“The leadership of both Steve and Kliff have been key factors in the team’s turnaround over the last three seasons,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. “We are all looking forward to continuing that progress and recognize these two individuals will be a big part of achieving our long-term goals as an organization.”
The news of the extensions broke as the Cardinals are in negotiations with their star quarterback Kyler Murray, who is seeking a long term extension as well. He is now eligible following his third NFL season. Both Keim and Kingsbury are in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine and addressed the matter on Tuesday.
“Our long-term goal is to have Kyler Murray be our quarterback,” Kingsbury said. “He understands that and he understands my view of him and how I feel about him.”
Kingsbury signed his initial contract in 2019, which was a four-year deal. Keim has been working for the Cardinals since 1999 and became general manager in 2013. He signed an extension in 2018 that was set to last through 2022. Being extended at the same time keeps the duo together for the next five years.
While at Texas Tech, Kingsbury went 35-40 in six seasons before getting let go following the 2018 season. He steadily improved the Cardinals each year he has been at the helm since inheriting a three-win team in 2019. They improved to 5-10-1 in his first season, followed by an 8-8 record in 2020 and 11-6 in 2021.
However, Kingsbury’s success has been marred by late-season mishaps. In 2020, the Cardinals started 5-2 and in the remaining nine games went 3-6, missing the playoffs in the final two weeks. They had a perfect 7-0 record to start this season, but finished the year 4-6 and completely flamed out in their wild card game against the eventual champions Los Angeles Rams.
With the extension of Kingsbury and Kein take care of, the Cardinals focus is taking care of Murray. Murray’s agent, Erik Burkhardt, who also represents Kingsbury, stated Monday that a detailed contract proposal was sent to the Cardinals and that Murray can offer long-term stability to the organization.
If the Cardinals are able to get all three pieces in place, they should have a strong 2022 season.
