Why are the Arizona Cardinals considered cheap?

The Cardinals are perceived as cheap due to a long history of hiring less-established coaches and a lack of sustained winning seasons under current ownership.

What does Jake Plummer say about the Cardinals' problems?

Former Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer believes the team's persistent struggles and lack of success originate from the ownership's leadership and perceived 'cheapness'.

Has the Arizona Cardinals' coaching situation improved?

The Cardinals recently fired head coach Jonathan Gannon on January 5, 2026, but their continued failure to pursue top coaching talent suggests the issue may persist.

Home / Sports / Cardinals' Cheapness Hurts: Ex-QB Slams Ownership

Cardinals' Cheapness Hurts: Ex-QB Slams Ownership

20 Jan

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Summary

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill faces criticism for team's long-term struggles.
Franchise has had only six winning seasons in the past two decades.
Former QB Jake Plummer believes leadership issues start at the top.

Cardinals' Cheapness Hurts: Ex-QB Slams Ownership

The Arizona Cardinals are plagued by a perception of cheapness, largely attributed to owner Michael Bidwill. In the past two decades, the team has experienced only six seasons with a winning record. Despite this lack of consistent success, the franchise has spent significantly on its roster, ranking in the top 10 for total cap allocations in six of the last eleven years.

The core issue appears to be leadership and coaching. Since 2007, the Cardinals have hired five head coaches, often opting for lesser-known, budget-friendly candidates. This pattern has not gone unnoticed by former players, such as quarterback Jake Plummer, who feels the problems originate with the ownership.

Following the recent firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon on January 5, 2026, Bidwill cited wins and losses as the reason for the decision. However, the team's failure to seriously pursue highly-regarded coaching candidates like John Harbaugh or Kevin Stefanski contradicts this statement, fueling frustration among fans and former players like Plummer.