Sherman sees potential, challenge in Arizona job

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) _ Mike Sherman, one of seven candidates to replace Dennis Green, said he sees the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching job as an opportunity to lead a franchise with impressive talent

Friday, January 5th 2007, 8:51 am

By: News On 6

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) _ Mike Sherman, one of seven candidates to replace Dennis Green, said he sees the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching job as an opportunity to lead a franchise with impressive talent already in place.

The former Green Bay coach interviewed for the Cardinals job on Thursday, and said he was optimistic about the future of the team.

``I would only come to a position like this if I felt like we had a chance to win,'' Sherman said after his interview, ``because I know what I have to put into it. I enjoy winning, and I do believe there's a chance to win here.''

Sherman, who coached the Packers from 2000-05, is assistant head coach for the offense with the Houston Texans. He was the second candidate to be interviewed.

Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera was interviewed Wednesday in Chicago. Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt is scheduled to be in Tempe on Friday.

On Saturday, Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron will be interviewed in San Diego, followed by a meeting with Colts quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell in Indianapolis on Sunday.

The final two interviews are scheduled in Tempe next week _ with Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow on Monday and Steelers offensive line coach Russ Grimm on Tuesday.

Arizona also has interviewed Cardinals defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, but that was believed to be only as a courtesy.

Sherman said it's possible he will be interviewed for another NFL opening. Miami and Atlanta both need head coaches. Steelers coach Bill Cowher also might resign, and probably would be replaced by either Whisenhunt or Grimm.

Michael Bidwill, Cardinals vice president and general counsel, gave Sherman a tour of the team's new stadium in Glendale before returning for meetings at the franchise's Tempe headquarters.

``I've been to a number of interviews at different times in my career,'' Sherman said. ``This was probably the most in-depth, organized one that I've been on.''

Sherman watched videotape of the Cardinals before coming to Tempe.

``I think it's well-documented the talent that's been acquired here on offense,'' he said. ``There are some things that need to be fixed. It's not an instant deal. The offensive line has to play better. There's some positions that need to be upgraded, but on the defensive side of the ball I'm very impressed with how hard the guys played. They seemed to get worn down a little in the fourth quarter, but there's some tremendous talent in certain positions on the defense as well.''

Sherman directed the Packers to five consecutive winning seasons, including three straight NFC North titles, compiling a 53-27 record from 2000 through 2004. He was fired after the Packers went 4-12 in 2005.

He also held the titles of executive vice president and general manager in Green Bay from 2001 through 2004.

In Arizona, Rod Graves got a new three-year contract to remain director of football operations. But Sherman said he believes he would have input.

``I certainly would want to have a voice in personnel,'' he said. ``I think the coach knows the style of offense, defense and special teams that he wants to use better than anybody else. That is important to me. Who makes the final call _ as long as we're in agreement that we're trying to do what's best for this organization _ I'm not hung up on that part of it.''