Fansided

Mike Munchak has turned down second interview with Cardinals

By Brad Berreman

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 27, 2015: Offensive line coach Mike Munchak of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 27, 2015 at M
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 27, 2015: Offensive line coach Mike Munchak of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks onto the field prior to a game against the Baltimore Ravens on December 27, 2015 at M /
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The Arizona Cardinals wanted to talk to Mike Munchak a second time regarding their head coaching job, but he has turned it down.

The Arizona Cardinals are on track to miss out on their reported top head coaching candidate, as Pat Shurmur is reportedly set to become the next New York Giants head coach as soon as it can be made official. They’ve interviewed nine candidates though, and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak got an interview in early January.

The Cardinals seem set for a round of second interviews, and as an indicator he’s a top candidate they wanted to bring Munchak back in. But according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen on Wednesday morning, Munchak has turned down the opportunity for a second interview.

Munchak may think Arizona has settled on their next head coach, which seems unlikely as they reportedly seek some second interviews. But he may see a path to a promotion in Pittsburgh, with offensive coordinator Todd Haley all but officially out and continuity sure to be a top priority for his replacement. With Arizona’s quarterback situation uncertain after the retirement of Carson Palmer, the Steelers have no such trouble right now with Ben Roethlisberger in place. Aside from the difference in pay going from offensive line coach to head coach, there’s comfort in remaining on Mike Tomlin’s staff for a bit longer.

Prior to the last four seasons as offensive line coach for the Steelers, Munchak spent his entire coaching career with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise he played 12 seasons as a Hall of Fame guard for. The last three of those seasons (2011-2013) were as Titans’ head coach, with a 22-26 record and two second-place finishes in the AFC South.

Next: 5 candidates to be next Tennessee Titans head coach

Munchak may get a second chance to be a head coach at some point. But he seems willing to wait for the right fit, rather than leave a pretty stable situation with the Steelers.

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