Michael Bidwill was born into Cardinals ownership, so it’s understandable why he wants to be heavily involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization.
While many owners have their minds focused on other businesses, this is his baby.
But it’s not working.
A chaotic year-and-a-half has arguably — hopefully? — reached its crescendo with allegations of burner phones and mistreatment of employees by Terry McDonough, the former right hand man to GM Steve Keim.
Comments from ex-Chief Operating Officer Ron Minegar poured more gasoline on the fire Monday night when his 2019 resignation letter made its way to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio.
Ex-COO Ron Minegar in his 2019 resignation letter to Michael Bidwill:
“…You come to work angry every day. You talk down to almost everyone. You’ve become arrogant and condescending. … everyone in this building is impacted by your constant negativity.”https://t.co/JWpq4xPUmA
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) April 11, 2023
In it, Minegar states that results from an anonymous employee survey found “a majority of our employees are working in fear.”
Additionally, Minegar highlighted changes he saw in Bidwill’s temperament over the years.
“I acknowledge that you have had to deal with a ton of issues this past year, but you come to work angry every day,” Minegar wrote, per PFT. “You talk down to almost everyone. You’ve become arrogant and condescending. You need to get credit for everything when things are going well and are quick to point the finger at everyone else when we are struggling.”
That letter was written more than three years ago, but the tendency to deflect still seems to hold true today.
Bidwill was responsible for the irrational contract extensions doled out to Keim and Kliff Kingsbury; he is the one who put the study clause in Kyler Murray’s contract; and yet, he seems to still be passing the buck.
Littered throughout the facility are ‘Complacency Kills Progress’ signs which are meant to be motivational, but make employees feel like they are getting blamed for all of the issues that have surfaced since a 10-2 start in 2021.
Multiple former employees have shared a similar thought with me independently of each other: Bidwill needs to look in the mirror.
More drama in Cardinalsland. https://t.co/fS814Z9mVX
— Bob McManaman (@azbobbymac) April 11, 2023
Since he seems unwilling to accept responsibility for the Cardinals’ myriad woes, the only realistic solution is for Bidwill to pull back from day-to-day duties and hire a team president.
While executives have come and gone through the years, the tone has remained the same, because it is set from the top. If a new face is given full authority to run the organization on an ethos of kindness and respect rather than fear, change can happen.
This seems like an easy move on paper, but it would be very hard for Bidwill to stomach, because he enjoys having his hands in as many facets of the organization as possible.
Kingsbury noted in a press conference last season that the owner sat in on film-watching sessions with the coaches.
In a clip from Hard Knocks, Bidwill addressed the players late in a wasted season.
“I’m as (expletive) disappointed as everyone else in this room,” he told them. “I can see who’s really doing it. I can also see where people are sometimes cutting corners.”
(A link to a review of that week’s episode can no longer be found on the Cardinals’ website.)
Bidwill also has his tentacles on the digital content team. Per a source, a newly-unveiled Arizona Cardinals Insiders account was created so Bidwill can keep the followers if and when talent leaves the organization.
Offensive players get the first shift in offseason workouts, as the #AZCardinals learn life with a new strength and conditioning staff.
-@Cardschatter pic.twitter.com/TzzypNXxNS
— Arizona Cardinals Insiders 🎤🎙 (@AZCardsInsiders) April 11, 2023
The more the content creators tweet from that account, the harder it will be to grow their own personal brand, which impacts their long-term career prospects.
These allegations of meddling are much less concerning than those that accuse Bidwill of treating pregnant women and minorities poorly, which McDonough alleged in his complaint.
But they are a piece of the picture, proving that he is an owner much more involved in the daily process than others of his stature.
Considering the Cardinals’ lack of on-field success throughout their history and the litany of recent off-field issues, it’s time for Bidwill to take a step back.
