My theory has been that Michael Bidwill wanted Bruce Arians to retire—-and Steve Keim, BA’s “little brother” did not.
Bidwill’s chief concern was BA’s health—-but there also may have been some lingering unease about BA’s hubris and how it affected key decisions about BA’s staff and the players.
Keim stayed as true as he could to BA and found himself in the unenviable position of being the liaison between the owner and the head coach. Thus, ultimately Keim had to defer to Bidwill’s wishes.
Curiously, despite their differing opinions regarding Arians, on the heels of Arians’ retirement, Bidwill rewarded Keim with a second contract extension, even though Keim still had the 2018 season and an option year in 2019 left on his first extension.