Word on the Street: Cardinals Asked for Mike Martz's Phone Number

Mike Martz, much like a rash, just won't go away. At least if the rumors that the Cardinals might be interested in him as their next offensive coordinator hold any truth.

San Francisco head coach Mike Singletary fired Martz two days after the season, and I figured he'd just take some time off after wholly unimpressive performances with the 49ers and the Lions. The word on the street suggests otherwise. Of course, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat's Matt Maiocco makes it clear that it's just a rumor, so we should, "take it for what it's worth." Consider it done, Matt.

" ... but I've heard that the Cardinals called the 49ers on Friday to ask for the cell number of Mike Martz. ... So might Whisenhunt seriously consider Martz as the man to take over the offense? Might that help convince Kurt Warner to go ahead and sign a two-year deal to remain with the Cardinals? Certainly, the Cardinals' talent on offense would seem to be a better fit for Martz's offensive style than what he had last season with the 49ers.

My first thought (again, assuming any of this is remotely true): has Ken Whisenhunt lost his mind? Martz has left a trail of destruction in his wake in recent years, why would the Cards even be interested?

And then I remembered that unlike the Lions and the 49ers, the Cardinals are absolutely loaded with offensive weapons. Not only that, but he's the guy who called the offensive plays when the Rams went to Super Bowls in '99 and '01. And whatshisname was the quarterback.

The early speculation had Arizona promoting from within to find Todd Haley's replacement, presumably for continuity's sake. But unlike other outside-the-organization (possible) candidates, Martz and Warner have a history. If the Cardinals decided to go in that direction, Warner would have no trouble picking up the system.

Then, more importantly, there would be the fantasy implications: Warner throwing for 8,000 yards; Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin each racking up 3,000 yards; and, hell, Sean Morey going for 1,000.

All that's left to sort out is hiring Martz, talking Warner out of retirement and convincing Boldin that he's wanted.