"The Cardinals denied the Tampa Bay Buccaneers permission to interview receivers coach John McNulty for the offensive coordinator's job under new coach Greg Schiano, according to NFL sources.

It would be a promotion for McNulty, who has spent the past three seasons with the Cardinals. McNulty is under contract with the Cardinals, so their permission is needed to interview for all NFL coaching jobs, other than a head coach.

That rule makes it difficult for a new coach to hire a staff. It also complicates things for the team denying permission, because it's stopping a coach from making a significant career move.

Whisenhunt and the Cardinals have been on the other end of this situation, too. Last year, the Steelers denied Whisenhunt's request for permission to interview linebackers coach Keith Butler for a defensive coordinator's position.

McNulty would like to take the Bucs job, sources said, and is trying to work something out with the Cardinals, according to sources."