MESA, Ariz. - All along, Cardinals vice president Michael Bidwill wanted to make a dynamic hire for the team's next coach. He did just that.
Dennis Green signed a five-year contract Wednesday, becoming the team's sixth coach since the franchise moved to Arizona. It took the Cards just nine days after firing Dave McGinnis to make the move.
"I think (name recognition) is all a part of it," Green said in a telephone interview Wednesday night. "I like that idea.
"I am a program-builder. You look at the Cardinals record the past six years, maybe they have been in the bottom third (of the league) but I don't think they have been thought of as the worst team. There are pieces there."
Michael Bidwill was unavailable for comment. In a news release, owner Bill Bidwill did call Green's hiring "a significant element to our plan to build a winning team."
Green will be formally introduced at a news conference Friday morning. He is expected to be paid $2.5-million to $2.75-million a season, the most the franchise has ever paid for a coach.
JETS: The team will talk to Ravens secondary coach Donnie Henderson today in hopes of finding a defensive coordinator.
BILLS: The team completed the interviews for its coaching search by meeting with Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey.
DOLPHINS: Ron Wolf says he won't be Miami's next general manager, but he apparently is playing a role in helping the team choose one. The ex-Green Bay GM, who told Miami officials last week he was not ready to recommit to the daily grind of running a franchise, met with the team.
RADIERS: The team received permission to interview 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Mora and Niners offensive coordinator Greg Knapp for its coaching job.
OBITUARY: Howard Brinker, the Browns defensive coordinator during their 1954, 1955 and 1964 NFL championship seasons, died. He was 89.
- Times staff writer Chase Squires contributed to this report.
