What the Betting Odds Say About the Arizona Cardinals’ Next Head Coach

Sportsbooks don’t just set odds for games. They also post futures on major NFL decisions, including head-coaching hires. Right now, BetOnline has a full board for who will become the next head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

These odds reflect a mix of insider buzz, public betting, and how realistic each candidate is for the job. They’re not predictions, but they do tell us who the market thinks is most likely.

Below is a breakdown of what the numbers actually mean.


How to Read the Odds

All the prices listed are plus odds (for example, +300 or +5000).

  • Lower numbers = higher probability
  • Higher numbers = long shots

If a coach is listed at +300, a $100 bet would win $300 if that coach gets hired. At +5000, the same bet would win $5,000, but the chances are much slimmer.


The Favorites

These are the names the market is taking most seriously right now.

  • Kliff Kubiak (+300)
    The clear favorite. His offensive background and recent success put him at the top of the board.
  • Vance Joseph (+500)
    A familiar name with prior head-coaching experience. The odds suggest he’s firmly in the conversation.
  • Brian Flores (+700)
    A strong defensive mind with previous head-coaching success. His odds reflect steady interest, though not favoritism.
  • Joe Brady (+800)
    Known for quarterback development and modern offense, which often appeals to teams with young talent.

This tier represents candidates who are either actively being discussed or fit what teams typically look for in a hire.


Mid-Tier Contenders

These names are plausible but come with bigger hurdles.

  • Kevin Stefanski (+900)
  • Matt Nagy (+1000)
  • Jeff Hafley (+1000)
  • Arthur Smith (+1000)

Odds in this range usually mean the coach is either under contract, would require compensation, or is more of a secondary option.


Long Shots and Speculation Plays

Once the odds move past +2000, you’re mostly looking at speculation, brand recognition, or outside-the-box ideas.

  • Mike Kafka (+2500)
  • Drew Petzing (+3300)
  • David Shaw (+3300)
  • Ejiro Evero (+3300)
  • Josh McDaniels (+3300)
  • Robert Saleh (+3300)

And at the extreme end:

  • Deion Sanders (+6600)
  • Jon Gruden (+6600)
  • Bill Belichick (+7500)

These odds don’t necessarily mean talks are happening. They often reflect name value or a theoretical fit more than real momentum.


What This Market Really Tells Us

Coaching odds shift fast. One interview leak or insider report can move a candidate from +1000 to favorite overnight.

Right now, the betting market suggests:

  • The Cardinals are expected to prioritize offense.
  • Coordinators and recent NFL assistants are favored over splashy or legacy hires.
  • Big-name long shots are more for curiosity than confidence.

As the hiring process unfolds, expect this board to tighten quickly around one or two names.

author avatar
James O'Donnell