Despite the Cardinals’ substantial regression this season, head coach Jonathan Gannon seems poised to keep his job in 2026.
Gannon’s 27-49 record and lack of defensive success in Arizona has stirred speculation about the Cardinals making a change this offseason. However, such a move seems unlikely at this time, per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
A primary factor in Gannon’s job security is the continued support of Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, who appreciates the strong culture Gannon has built. Despite the appearance of a shaky start in Arizona based on bhis portrayal on “Hard Knocks” during the 2022 season, Gannon is respected by his players, which has persisted despite the team’s struggles this year.
Bidwill may also have a more generous assessment of Gannon given the Cardinals’ inconsistency at quarterback in his tenure. Kyler Murray tore his ACL in 2022, the year before Gannon was hired, and only played eight games in Gannon’s debut year. Like most players recovering from such an injury, Murray was not quite himself upon his return to the field. He was fully healthy in 2024 and showed some improvement, but regressed in his five years this year before suffering a knee injury that ultimately ended his season.
As a result, it seems more likely that the Cardinals move on from Murray than Gannon this offseason. That would allow Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort to pick their own quarterback, as Murray was drafted and signed an extension before either arrived in Arizona.
One figure that will certainly be leaving is defensive line coach Winston DeLattiboudere, who will take up the same position at Michigan State, per 247 Sports’ Justin Thind. He will reunite with new Spartans head coach Joe Rossi, who he played under and coach with at the University of Minnesota.