Steve Keim called it a “journey.”
Seems an appropriate adjective to describe the last two years together for the Arizona Cardinals general manager and head coach Bruce Arians who met the media Tuesday afternoon in for the first time since both received extensions through the 2018 season on Monday.
The Cards are widely considered one of the fast-rising teams in the tough NFC West after back-to-back double-digit win seasons under the guidance of Keim and Arians.
The two-time NFL Executive of the Year believes communication and definition have been a significant part of Arizona’s recent success.
“It’s family,” Keim explained. “I think it starts with respect…when you don’t cross those lines they don’t get blurred.”
Arians’ long wait to become a full-time NFL head coach has paid off in the desert. He is the only coach in franchise history to win 10 or more games in his first two seasons with the team and was named the 2014 Associated Press Coach of the Year.
He understands he’s part of something special here in Arizona.
“Can’t thank the players enough,” he humbly stated. “Steve, the entire organization. Everyone in the building helped me get a raise so the first round’s on me.”
After the NFL Combine wrapped up Monday in Indianapolis, the duo is back at work continuing to tweak the roster moving forward. Monday the club released wide receiver Ted Ginn and Keim confirmed he has been in contact with Darnell Dockett’s agent Drew Rosenhaus about possibly re-structuring his contract. His current deal would count close to $10 million against the salary cap.
“[Bruce] and I aren’t satisfied,” Keim said. “Now isn’t the time to pat us on the back.”
