Ken Whisenhunt

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Whisenhunt's tenure began with a strategic pivot in 2008 when he committed to veteran quarterback Kurt Warner as the starter, replacing Matt Leinart. This decision ignited a 9–7 regular season and secured the NFC West Division title, marking the club's first playoff berth since 1998. The Cardinals advanced through the playoffs, defeating the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers before upsetting the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game on January 18, 2009. This victory propelled them to Super Bowl XLIII against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although they lost 27–23, it was the franchise's first-ever trip to the big game. The following season, Whisenhunt guided the team to a 10–6 record and another NFC West title, highlighted by a thrilling 51–45 overtime victory over the Green Bay Packers in the Wild Card Round before falling to the New Orleans Saints.

In Their Own Story

The turning point of Whisenhunt's Arizona era came when he installed Kurt Warner as the starter for the 2008 season. After Leinart suffered a season-ending injury in 2007, Warner started the final 11 games, setting the stage for Whisenhunt's decision to make him the permanent option. This move fueled an offense that carried the team through the NFC playoffs. The journey peaked on January 18, 2009, when the Cardinals defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game, advancing to Super Bowl XLIII to face the Steelers. Despite the loss, the run validated Whisenhunt's leadership. However, the momentum faded after Warner retired. In 2010, Whisenhunt installed free agent Derek Anderson as starter and released Leinart, resulting in a 5–11 finish. The 2012 season saw a fleeting promise with a 4–0 start, their first since 1974, but the team subsequently lost nine straight games, including a humiliating 58–0 defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. These struggles led to his firing alongside general manager Rod Graves.

Reader's Guide

Whisenhunt arrived in Arizona on January 14, 2007, with a contract averaging $2.5 million annually, having previously interviewed for roles with the Steelers, Falcons, Dolphins, and Raiders. His first season improved the team to an 8–8 record, their first non-losing season since 1998, though they missed the playoffs. The defining era began in 2008 when he leveraged Kurt Warner's experience to win the NFC West and reach Super Bowl XLIII. In 2009, the team repeated as division champions with a 10–6 record. Whisenhunt's offensive approach relied on veteran leadership; however, once Warner retired, quarterback instability plagued the roster. He tried Derek Anderson in 2010 and Max Hall in 2011, finishing 5–11 and 8–8 respectively. By 2012, despite a 4–0 start, the team collapsed with nine straight losses. Whisenhunt was dismissed on December 31, 2012, after three consecutive non-playoff seasons. His overall record in Arizona included a 4–2 playoff mark but missed the postseason in five of his seven total head coaching seasons.

Did You Know?

• Whisenhunt led the Cardinals to their first home playoff games in 60 years, a feat not accomplished since they won the NFL championship in 1947 as the Chicago Cardinals.
• The team's 2012 season began with a 4–0 start, their best beginning since 1974 when Don Coryell coached the franchise in St. Louis.
• Whisenhunt posted a 3–20 record over his final 35 games as a head coach across both the Cardinals and Titans tenures.
• In Super Bowl XLIII, Whisenhunt faced his former employer, the Pittsburgh Steelers, who defeated his Arizona team 27–23 in overtime.
• Whisenhunt was fired by the Cardinals on December 31, 2012, after three straight non-playoff seasons and a 58–0 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.