Matt Schaub has joined the Arizona Cardinals as quarterbacks coach, the team announced on June 1. After a 16-season NFL career that ended in 2020, Schaub had previously declined coaching opportunities to spend time with his family. He said he eventually felt ready to return to football in a new role and reached out to former colleagues.
Mike LaFleur, who is building his staff in Arizona, said, “It was always, ‘Man if he ever wants to coach.’ I know Kyle has always tried to get him to coach there. It never timed up there or timed up in Green Bay. Luckily it timed up for us. I actually got the call from my brother that Matt wanted to coach, and it was like, ‘Wow, I hit the jackpot.'”
Schaub joins the team during an unsettled period for its quarterback group. Jacoby Brissett has not participated in voluntary workouts while seeking a new contract; Gardner Minshew II is taking first-team snaps during organized team activities; Kedon Slovis remains early in his career; and rookie Carson Beck was drafted in the third round this year.
Asked about handling speculation over playing time and starting roles among quarterbacks, Schaub said his advice is consistent: “Block it all out. The noise now is more invasive than it was years ago with social media. As hard as that is, you have to compartmentalize and keep things in perspective, no matter what stage of your career you are in. You tell the guys, ‘nothing outside is going to affect how you play except your performance and your preparation.'”
Slovis commented on having another former quarterback as a position coach: “He played the position, he knows what it feels like, he knows what it looks like from the pocket,” Slovis said. “Not saying you can’t do it otherwise, but a lot of my favorite coaches have been (former) quarterbacks.” Slovis also noted Schaub’s detailed recall from his playing days.
Schaub concluded by outlining his approach: “I don’t want to be the stereotypical former player that is doing this just because they think they can,” Schaub said. “I want to be the best quarterback coach that I can.” The Arizona Cardinals are based in Glendale and serve the greater Phoenix area as part of the National Football League’s NFC West division; they are recognized as one of professional football’s oldest franchises and captured an NFC championship in 2008, according to their official website.
