Category: Arizona Cardinals

Denny Crum turned Louisville basketball into a civic treasure and Freedom Hall into a vibrant landmark of the sport with two national championships, six Final Fours and massively entertaining teams.

Yes, his local standing grew more only hallowed after he left the sideline, an affable and approachable coaching emeritus never far away from the Cardinals in body or spirit, and doing a radio show with his old rival from Kentucky, Joe B. Hall.

Yes, he was a multi-dimensional legend. The national champion who won 675 games and spanned eras. He lost to John Wooden’s last Final Four team at UCLA and beat Mike Krzyzewski’s first Final Four team at Duke. But he also bred horses, collected Louis L’Amour novels and often went off to Idaho to hunt and fish.

Any remembrance of the career of the man who passed away this week at 86 must start with all that. But an intriguing question should be included.

What if Denny Crum had said yes to UCLA back in the 1970s?

How very different might college basketball history have been in two storied places had he gone thataway instead of thisaway when he came to the fork in the road of his career?

Denzel Edwin Crum was a UCLA guard for John Wooden in the 1950s, then a UCLA assistant for Wooden in the late 1960s. Did a lot of recruiting for Wooden, including landing a tall California kid named Bill Walton. And he already had a strong and competitive voice. When the Bruins stormed to another national title in 1971, a curious sidebar was the sight of Wooden and Crum arguing on the bench about substitution strategy. Question the Wizard? In public? Who had the gumption to do that? Wooden threatened to banish Crum to the end of the Bruins bench, but he understood his No. 1 aide was clearly ready to fly away on his own.

Scott Satterfield, who served as the head coach for the Louisville Cardinals from 2019 to 2022, departed for the Cincinnati Bearcats in December 2022. His move to Cincinnati paved the way for Jeff Brohm’s return to Louisville, his alma mater, as head coach. Since then, both coaches have been leading their respective programs, with Brohm revitalizing the Cardinals and Satterfield facing challenges at Cincinnati.

In December 2023, Vince Marrow, the associate head coach for the Kentucky Wildcats, publicly criticized Satterfield while praising Brohm. Marrow’s comments highlighted the perceived improvement in Louisville’s performance under Brohm compared to Satterfield’s tenure. He remarked, “The Big Dog has spoken!”

In response to Marrow’s remarks, Satterfield addressed the criticism during a press conference. He acknowledged the challenges faced during his time at Louisville and expressed his commitment to improving Cincinnati’s program. Satterfield stated, “I understand the expectations and the standards at Cincinnati, and I’m dedicated to meeting them.” He also emphasized the importance of focusing on the future and building a competitive team.

Brohm, on the other hand, has been instrumental in Louisville’s resurgence. Under his leadership, the Cardinals have achieved a 6-1 record and secured a top-ten win in just his first season. Brohm’s strategic approach and emphasis on discipline have been credited with revitalizing the program. He remarked, “Our goal is to build a team that competes at the highest level and brings pride to our fans.”

The contrasting trajectories of the two programs have sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Some believe that Louisville’s success under Brohm is a direct result of Satterfield’s departure, while others attribute it to Brohm’s unique coaching style and vision for the team. Regardless, both coaches continue to focus on their respective programs, aiming to achieve success and meet the expectations of their fan bases.

In summary, while Satterfield and Brohm have exchanged public comments and faced criticism, both remain committed to their roles. Satterfield is focused on rebuilding Cincinnati’s program, and Brohm is dedicated to maintaining Louisville’s upward trajectory. The dynamic between the two coaches and their programs continues to evolve, with each striving to leave a lasting impact on college football.

 

GOOD NEWS: Kyler Murray Signs New Contract with Arizona Cardinals Until 2028

In a significant and exciting development for both Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals, the dynamic quarterback has officially signed a new contract that will keep him in Arizona through the 2028 season. This long-term deal not only secures Murray’s future with the Cardinals but also represents a major step forward for the team as they continue to build around their franchise quarterback.

The new contract was finalized earlier this week, and the details are a big win for Murray and the Cardinals organization. While the exact terms of the deal have yet to be fully disclosed, sources indicate that it includes a substantial financial commitment to one of the most electrifying young quarterbacks in the NFL. This move is expected to make Murray one of the highest-paid players in the league, reflecting his talent and potential.

Murray, who was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Cardinals in the 2019 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the league. With his combination of elite arm strength, mobility, and playmaking ability, Murray has given the Cardinals a legitimate chance at competing in a tough NFC West division. His ability to both extend plays with his legs and make pinpoint throws on the run has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

This new contract solidifies the Cardinals’ commitment to Murray as the centerpiece of their franchise. The team has made it clear that they see him as the future of the organization, and they’ve worked diligently to ensure he remains the face of the franchise for years to come.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon, in his first year at the helm of the Cardinals, has expressed his excitement about the direction of the team with Murray as the leader. “Kyler is everything we want in a quarterback. He has the talent, leadership, and drive to help us win championships. This contract is a clear statement that we believe in his abilities and his potential to bring this team back to prominence,” Gannon said in a statement following the news of the contract extension.

The extension is also a testament to the progress Murray has made throughout his young career. Despite facing challenges during his first few seasons, including injuries and adjustments to different coaching systems, Murray has continued to improve year after year. His ability to elevate the play of those around him, combined with his work ethic and leadership, has earned him the respect of his teammates and coaches alike.

For the Cardinals, locking up Murray is a critical move as they continue to build their roster and infrastructure. The team has invested heavily in surrounding him with talent, including bolstering their offensive line and acquiring playmakers in the draft and free agency. The hope is that Murray’s new deal will not only provide stability at the quarterback position but also set the foundation for future success in the years ahead.

Murray himself expressed his excitement and gratitude in a post-signing interview, thanking the fans, the front office, and his teammates for their support. “This is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to be a Cardinal and help bring this organization a championship. I’m excited for what’s ahead, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue playing here,” Murray said.

While it’s clear that this is a moment of celebration for both Murray and the Cardinals, the next step will be to translate this commitment into on-field success. With a new coach and a roster eager to compete, the pressure is on to take the next step toward returning the Cardinals to playoff contention. But with Murray’s talent and the backing of the franchise, the future looks bright for Arizona.

In the coming years, this deal could prove to be a turning point for both the quarterback and the team. As the Arizona Cardinals continue to build a championship-caliber squad, the presence of Kyler Murray locked in for the long term is certainly a cause for optimism.