TEMPE, Ariz. -- Former Arizona Cardinals coach Bruce Arians believes his successor will affect wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's decision to continue playing or to retire.
"I think it all depends who's the head coach, who's the calling the plays," Arians said Tuesday morning during an interview on Golic and Wingo on ESPN Radio.
Arians announced his retirement Monday morning while giving an emotional speech. Now the spotlight turns to Fitzgerald, who, although he signed a one-year extension through the 2018 season in November, has yet to commit to playing next season. Last year, it took him a month after the Cardinals' season ended to decide.
But Arians added the Cardinals' next coach will have to treat Fitzgerald carefully to maximize his production. Fitzgerald had 109 catches in 2017, tying the franchise record he set two years ago. It was his third straight 100-catch/1,000-yard season. He also became the oldest player in NFL history to reach those marks.
"He can still play if the right person's there and knows how to get him to the game on Sunday," Arians said. "Don't overwork him in the spring and training camp, because he can still play at a very high level."
