Cardinals Fire Offensive Line Coach

At 4-7, the Arizona Cardinals season is on the brink of collapse, and the organization is apparently ready to begin spreading blame. Head coach Kliff Kinsbury revealed at a Tuesday press conference that offensive line coach/running game coordinator Sean Kugler was relieved of his duties following a mysterious "incident" that occurred in Mexico City before the team's Monday Night Football 38-10 blowout to the San Francisco 49ers.

The Cardinals have relieved offensive line coach/running game coordinator Sean Kugler of his duties following an incident in Mexico City on Saturday night, per coach Kliff Kingsbury.

— Bob McManaman (@azbobbymac) November 22, 2022

The incident occurred on Saturday night, and Kugler was sent home before the game was even played. His offensive line allowed three sacks and rushed for 67 yards on 24 attempts in the humbling defeat.

Without knowing the nature of Kugler's indiscretion, it's difficult to say if the move represents a warning to other Cardinals coaches. Kugler's firing preceded arguably the Cardinals' worst performance of the season, so if his exile was meant to light a fire under the team, it certainly didn't work. Given the vagaries surrounding the firing and the lateness of the announcement, Kugler's departure likely wasn't performance related. The Cardinals are likely just doing a really solid job of sweeping some unacceptable behaviour under the rug.

Barring a major scandal breaking out, Kugler will likely land on his feet in the eternal boy's club that is pro football. He has previously served as an assistant coach for the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos.

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