Report: Cardinals exploring coaching candidates, Payton a possible target

Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has been gathering information on head coaching candidates as he weighs Kliff Kingsbury's future with the club, sources told Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Bidwill reportedly hasn't informed Kingsbury of any decision ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the San Francisco 49ers.

Former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton would be a candidate for the job if it becomes available, added Rapoport and Pelissero. The Denver Broncos have also reportedly received permission from the Saints to speak to Payton.

Cardinals defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is also apparently expected to be a contender for the job.

Complicating Bidwill's planning is the absence of general manager Steve Keim, who took an indefinite leave in November for health reasons and is reportedly unlikely to return to that role.

Arizona signed Kingsbury and Keim to extensions through the 2027 campaign after making the playoffs last season.

But the NFC West club has struggled this year. The Cardinals enter Week 18 with a 4-12 record and without quarterback Kyler Murray, who tore his ACL and meniscus on Dec. 12.