On December 31, 2012, Whisenhunt was relieved of his head coaching duties by the Cardinals after 3 straight non-playoff seasons. Rod Graves, general manager at the time, was also relieved of his duties. On January 17, 2013, the Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator (and temporary interim head coach) Bruce Arians agreed on a 4-year deal that would make him their head coach. Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton was also a leading candidate for the HC position; after Arians' hiring, Horton was hired as the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.