The wait is finally over! After more than a month-long search and un-turning of every stone, the Arizona Cardinals have found their new leader to call the shots along the sideline. Jonathan Gannon, the former defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, is coming to Arizona in 2023.
Welcome to the Valley, Coach!
We’ve agreed to terms with Jonathan Gannon to become our next head coach! pic.twitter.com/jDp9MezorO
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) February 14, 2023
Gannon didn’t have to travel very far to accept the head coaching job with the Cards, as he was calling plays during the Super Bowl this past weekend. Gannon has served as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles for the past two years. Aside from his defensive woes during the second half of the Super Bowl, the Eagles defense led the league in total defensive sacks (70) this year and was tied for third in total interceptions (17).
After the Super Bowl, the Cards quickly put together an interview with Gannon on Monday and he was officially hired on Tuesday afternoon to be the Cardinals next head coach. One thing that stood out to owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort was Gannon’s energy and charisma. However, once Gannon explained to Bidwill his vision, he and Ossenfort agreed that it was a natural fit for both sides and that they all had a joint vision on what they want the Cardinals to be going forward.
Now, Gannon bears the tall task of re-tooling a team that finished with only 4 wins this previous season and lost their franchise quarterback to an injury that could limit his availability well into next season. The new head coach will have many decisions to make on this roster in the coming months and as he instills a new culture in the Cardinals locker room. Now, the next steps will be for Gannon to assemble his staff and put in place other coaches to help this team succeed next season and for seasons to come. Who he chooses for offensive and defensive coordinator is a question that Cardinals fans will be closely monitoring in the coming weeks.
