NFL Update: Arizona Cardinals let go defensive coordinator Bill Davis
After three years with the Arizona Cardinals, defensive coordinator Bill Davis has been fired by head coach Ken Whisenhunt. The Cardinals have had a terrible year defensively. “I have great respect for Billy as a coach and a friend, but when you go 5-11
you're forced to make some tough decisions, and this is one of them,” Whisenhunt said.
Davis was hired as the linebackers' coach by the Cardinals in 2007. In the 2009 season, he was made the defensive coordinator replacing Clancy Pendergast but only after a year at the position, he has now been fired. This is the second time Whisenhunt has
gotten rid of his defensive coordinator since becoming head coach. Whisenhunt neither confirmed nor denied that more changes in the staff could be forthcoming.
The head coach said that the now vacant position would be filled by someone from the outside. “As we sit here right now, I have a couple of names, but I don't even know the availability of those guys.”
The Cardinals weren’t just bad; they were practically the worst defence in the league. On average, Arizona allowed 27.1 points per game (30th in the league) and 373 total yards in each game (29th in the league). On top of that, the
team is placed 4th in possibly the worst division in the NFL, the NFC West. Arizona has won the division for the past two years and their terrible performance this year was going to have consequences. Davis might just be the start of a greater turnaround.
Last year, Davis’ first as defensive coordinator, Cardinals allowed the fifth fewest points in the league and ended the regular season with a 10-6 record. This year however, their numbers are 5-11. Their downwards slip in the standings in part has to be
blamed on the defence but the offense was arguably worst. 32nd worst rushing side in the league, 31st worst passing side and 27th worst scoring side. So far, the offensive coaching staff has not seen any changes.
Since his sacking, Davis has not made himself available for comments.
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