The Republic analyzes the Cardinals’ firing of Jonathan Gannon
The Republic’s Theo Mackie and Greg Moore discuss the firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon and where the Arizona Cardinals go from here.
The Arizona Cardinals decided to part ways with head coach Jonathan Gannon on Monday, Jan. 5, in a not-too-surprising move that creates an opening for a coach who will inherit a quarterback challenge.
Kyler Murray, the No. 1 overall draft pick and one-time hope to become a cornerstone franchise quarterback, is unlikely to return to the team, with the belief he’ll be traded or cut in the coming weeks.
Murray was shut down early this season but seems to harbor no ill will toward Gannon. The QB posted on X his appreciation for the now-former Cardinals coach, saying, “My guy, genuinely loved going to war with you. Appreciate who you are as a man and a coach. Warpath-” in a message sent late Jan. 5.
Murray, 28, is under contract with Arizona, with nearly $40 million in guaranteed money this coming season, and more to be paid if Murray remains on the Cardinals roster.
As for the team’s coaching vacancy, NFL rules stipulate interviews can be conducted Jan. 6-7 with assistants on teams that did not make the playoffs, as well as those on teams with first-round byes — the Broncos and the Seahawks.
The other 12 playoff teams’ assistants are not allowed to be interviewed before Jan. 13-14.
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