Former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Keith Rowen has filed a grievance with the NFL over the circumstances surrounding his demotion.

Team spokesman Mark Dalton confirmed Friday that Rowen had filed a grievance but had no other comment. No date has been set for the case to go before an arbitrator.

Coach Dennis Green stripped Rowen, a 23-year NFL coaching veteran, of his offensive coordinator duties on Tuesday morning, a few hours after the Cardinals blew a 20-point lead in a 24-23 loss to the Chicago Bears on Monday night.

In announcing the move, Green said the offence wasn't scoring enough points, although it put up 23 against a Chicago defence that had conceded a total of 36 in its first five games. The Cardinals, who have lost five straight since a Week 1 victory over San Francisco, rank 17th in the NFL in scoring.

At the time, Green said he was talking to Rowen about another position on the staff. Rowen continued to report to the team's headquarters this week and was expected to join other coaches in the press box when the Cardinals visit Oakland on Sunday.

Green replaced Rowen with quarterbacks coach Mike Kruczek, who became Green's third offensive coordinator in 2{ seasons in Arizona.

The 54-year-old Rowen is in the second year of a two-year contract. His salary has not been made public.

Under Rowen in 2005, the Cardinals led the NFL in passing, but ranked last in rushing. He has been an assistant for eight NFL teams since 1984, including a three-year stint as offensive line coach on Green's staff at Minnesota.

Rowen could not be reached for comment.