At a Glance
- The Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons
- Gannon posted a 15-36 record with no playoff appearances
- The team ended the 2025 season on a nine-game losing streak
- Why it matters: The Cardinals now enter a pivotal offseason with a top draft pick and uncertain quarterback situation
The Arizona Cardinals made a coaching change on Black Monday, parting ways with head coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons and zero playoff appearances. The move came just one day after a season-ending loss to the Los Angeles Rams capped a brutal 3-14 campaign.
Coaching Tenure Ends in Disappointment
Gannon’s time in Arizona never gained momentum. His best season came in 2024 with an 8-9 record, but the team regressed sharply in 2025, finishing with just three wins. The defense, once his calling card, ranked in the bottom 10 in passing yards, rushing yards, and points allowed.
Late-season decisions raised eyebrows. Gannon opted to start Jacoby Brissett over Kyler Murray down the stretch, a move that sparked debate despite the offense showing flashes of improvement.
Front Office Stays Intact
While Gannon exits, general manager Monti Ossenfort retains his role and will lead the search for the next head coach. That continuity could provide stability as the franchise faces big questions this offseason.
Key Offseason Questions
- Kyler Murray’s future remains unclear, though his contract complicates any trade or release
- The Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
- Six teams, including Arizona, now seek new head coaches
| Team | Coach Fired | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Gannon | 15-36 record, no playoffs |
| Tennessee Titans | TBD | Part of Black Monday wave |
| New York Giants | TBD | Seeking fresh direction |
| Atlanta Falcons | TBD | Missed postseason again |
| Cleveland Browns | TBD | Parted ways with Kevin Stefanski |
| Las Vegas Raiders | TBD | Continued instability |
Key Takeaways
- Gannon’s 15-36 record was the worst among active coaches at the time of his firing
- The Cardinals haven’t made the playoffs since 2021
- Arizona holds a top-three draft pick and faces major roster decisions
- The next coach inherits a roster with talent but no clear direction at quarterback
The Cardinals now join five other franchises searching for new leadership, setting up a competitive offseason in the coaching market.
