The Arizona Cardinals haven’t been as assertive as other NFL franchises in filling their team vacancy at head coach. Jonathan Gannon, who is now the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, was fired by the Cardinals on Jan. 5. This means that within the three weeks of time elapsed since Gannon’s departure, the Cardinals have yet to render a prime candidate to help re-route their franchise.
Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up before their game against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is still operating within his five-year $230 million contract that runs through the year 2028. Thus, all the endless chatter about Murray and a potential trade seems particularly unrealistic. Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort has already entrusted and invested in Murray financially but he hasn’t provided his QB1 with a stellar offensive minded playcaller. The question still remains about why Ossenfort allowed Mike McDaniel, who is now the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, to slip through the cracks. Now, the chaos and confusion will only continue and Ossenfort shouldn’t get impulsive and hire just anyone to simmer the steam perspiring from Cardinals fans.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (right) arrives on the field for the Los Angeles Rams game at State Farm Stadium on Dec 7, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz.
The Cardinals must prioritize, and considering Ron Rivera for their head coaching vacancy isn’t a terrible idea. However, the franchise needs to be intentional about hiring a head coach that specializes in offense, someone who can optimize the skill set of Murray and accommodate the potential of the many playmakers on the Cardinals offense. Sadly, whether the franchise fixes their faults sooner or later, Murray will continue to cackle and collect sizable cash according to his contract.
Advertisement
Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire’s Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals don’t have a coach but Kyler Murray will continue to collect