Cardinals reportedly preparing for possibility of Bruce Arians retiring

The possibility of Bruce Arians retiring is something that the media has covered each year for the past several, but apparently the Arizona Cardinals are now preparing for it as well.

According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Cardinals have been discussing contingency plans in the event that they need to search for a new head coach this offseason. Arians is 65 and has had numerous health scares over the last several years, and some close to him believe he will finally decide to call it a career.

It’s unclear if Carson Palmer is planning to return next season, and the Cardinals are entering somewhat of a rebuilding phase. They signed Larry Fitzgerald to an extension, but that seems more about keeping one of the greatest players in franchise history with the team through the entirety of his career.

The Cardinals are 6-7 this season, and Arians recently hinted that the disappointing year will make him more likely to return in 2018. However, he is a cancer survivor and could decide to put his health and family first. If Arians does retire, one of the most underrated coaches in football will be off the market.