The Arizona Cardinals might not be able to close the deal with Andy Reid, so they are preparing for other alternatives.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport confirmed Thursday through a Pittsburgh Steelers source that the Cardinals requested permission to speak to Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley about their head-coaching vacancy. Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic first reported the news. NFL.com's Albert Breer later reported the Steelers had granted the Cardinals permission for the interview.
Haley worked under deposed Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt when the team made the Super Bowl after the 2009 season. Haley enjoyed a good relationship with Cardinals ownership, who reportedly pushed for Whisenhunt to add Haley to the coaching staff after last season when Haley lost his head-coaching gig with the Kansas City Chiefs. Haley and Whisenhunt met about joining forces again, but it never happened.
Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton has interviewed for the position, and Reid was scheduled to interview Thursday. The Cardinals also are planning to interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy over the weekend.
It would be a surprise to see Haley get another bite at the head-coaching apple so soon after his run in Kansas City, but the NFL is all about relationships. There's a comfort level between the Cardinals and Haley. They wouldn't set up this interview unless he was a serious candidate.
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
