Jonathan Gannon is really at a major crossroads in his young coaching career. As the newest head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, he needs to face the real challenges of the coming 2025 NFL season. Now three years in, Gannon is riding high. He has certainly led the Warriors through a dramatic rollercoaster of production, highlighted by a remarkable zenith and an alarming nosedive. Gannon’s future isn’t much more certain, as he too is in a 5-16 tailspin since Week 11 of 2024. The disappointment continues after a season average of five wins, and contentious negotiations with team owner Michael Bidwill continue.
Culturally, Gannon’s tenure has been a success within the organization. I’d argue success on the field has eluded him so far, but we’ll come back to that. Under his leadership, the Cardinals ballooned to eight wins in 2024. Unsurprisingly, this is a stunning leap from the four victories they logged in 2023. Expectations were high, but injuries—including the team’s franchise quarterback, Kyler Murray—have decimated the team. As the Cardinals move forward, a few critical factors will likely decide Gannon’s long-term status with the organization.
Performance and Injury Challenges
Going back to Week 15 of his ongoing campaign, Gannon’s history appears to yield a consistent five-win average per campaign. Yet, this new statistic has been enough to raise alarm that he can’t be the captain of the good ship Maryland. The Cardinals have only made the playoffs three of the last 16 seasons. Fans are taking to the streets and demanding to see something better.
Kyler Murray’s ACL injury had him sidelined since Week 5 of last season. This absence has been felt greatly on such a close knit team. Gannon is well aware he was never given a chance with a fully healthy franchise quarterback in his first two years. The impact of Murray’s absence has seen Gannon having to swerve through a minefield of other losses.
“Nobody is pleased. I am not happy. They are not happy,” – Jonathan Gannon
The 4-8 Cardinals haven’t been easy to watch, particularly when they face off with their NFC West brethren. In fact, they’ve given up 40+ points in three of four of those contests. This focus more than ever has resulted in extreme pressure to play devil’s advocate with Gannon’s decisions and tactical plans.
Cultural Development within the Organization
Even with the on-field battle, Gannon has developed a positive reputation for creating a strong culture at the Cardinals’ facility. His players play hard for him and they love his fiery, charismatic, sometimes-volatile leadership. Further feedback from inside the organization has suggested Gannon is extremely popular among his players and owner Michael Bidwill.
First, Gannon has created a culture. This asset, perhaps more than any other, will shape their collective future. Longer-term conversations between Gannon and Bidwill happen every day, centered on how to make the team a more compelling product on the field.
“There’s definitely some adversity, a lot of adversity. We’ve had some tough games, some games we haven’t really been in — in my mind — in the second half. That stinks and it is hard, but we also know the way out of adversity, the silver lining of adversity is you grow.” – Jonathan Gannon
These dialogues reflect Gannon’s commitment to taking responsibility for the team’s struggles while looking for solutions to turn things around.
The Road Ahead and Future Considerations
Gannon is currently working hand-in-hand with Bidwill to get the team better. He’s committed to staying focused on the levers he can actually influence. He’s been a strong advocate for keeping a future-focused mentality as the work continues to turn the tide.
“I control the controllables and focus on Atlanta now.” – Jonathan Gannon
With his record showing mixed results, Gannon’s fate could be measured against historical trends as well. From 2015 to 2024, half of the 12 coaches who lost 11 or more games in a season retained their position. The other six were dismissed. This political context makes Gannon’s case even more complicated.
As the Cardinals approach some high leverage games — with games against their division rivals coming first — Gannon’s mettle will be tested these next few weeks. A successful turnaround would not only save his season, but likely save his job long-term as his head coaching seat continues to get warm.
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