The Arizona Cardinals had an extremely disappointing 2022 season, finishing last in the NFC West with a 4-13 record. As a result, they decided to fire Kliff Kingsbury. Now, they are ushering in a new era under the leadership of former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon. Gannon now steps into his first head coaching role after agreeing to a five-year contract with the Cardinals.
What would be considered a successful first season with Arizona? Here’s what to expect from Gannon regarding his background and areas of expertise.
Expectations for Arizona Cardinals Coach Jonathan Gannon
Background
Gannon’s most recent stint was as the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles for the past two seasons. Notably, under his guidance, the Eagles’ defense was pivotal in propelling the team to last year’s Super Bowl appearance.
Last season, the Eagles boasted one of the league’s best defenses. They ranked seventh in opponents’ points per game, averaging 19.8. In contrast, the Cardinals struggled defensively, allowing an average of 26.4 points per game. That was second to last in the league, only ahead of the Chicago Bears.
Gannon’s coaching journey includes a tenure as the Indianapolis Colts defensive backs coach for three seasons and an assistant defensive backs coach role with the Minnesota Vikings for four seasons. His ascent through the NFL ranks began as a defensive quality control coach with the Falcons in 2017. Other noteworthy additions to his resume include scouting experience with the St. Louis Rams for three seasons and as a defensive quality control coach with the Titans for two seasons.
Gannon’s background makes him an ideal fit to enhance the Cardinals’ defensive capabilities and overall team identity.
Impact in Arizona
Furthermore, Gannon’s input could extend beyond coaching. Given his five-year contract, extensive defensive expertise, and scouting background, it’s safe to assume he’ll have a say on who the Cardinals select in their future drafts. The Cardinals are projected to have yet again one of the worst records in the upcoming season. Another projected high draft pick makes Gannon’s scouting experience even more crucial.
Additionally, the strategic trade with the Houston Texans during the 2023 NFL Draft only adds to the importance of building through the draft. The Cardinals traded their No. 3 and No. 105 picks to the Texans in exchange for picks No. 12 and 33, a 2024 first-round pick, and a third-round pick. The only good thing to come out of the Cardinals disastrous season was obtaining the No. 3 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and turning it into multiple assets.
Gannon’s dual background in defense and scouting is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the Cardinals future moves. While he doesn’t have head coaching experience, the Cardinals aren’t contending right away anyway. He’s the type of coach that can grow along with the team as they jumpstart the retool.
Arizona Cardinals 2023-24 Season Outlook
The Cardinals have challenges and question marks entering the new season, coming off a lackluster year. There’s uncertainty surrounding Kyler Murray’s return from an ACL injury and the void following the departure of DeAndre Hopkins. With low expectations for the Cardinals, Gannon will likely have a relatively lengthy leash, a luxury not often extended to NFL coaches.
In devising their game plan, Gannon is expected to lean on the ground game, particularly considering Kyler Murray’s ongoing recovery. The optimal strategy might involve:
- Heavily relying on running back James Conner
- Emphasizing ball control
- Slowing the tempo to limit the number of possessions per game
This approach could maximize the team’s chances of success while navigating the challenges of a season in flux.
While the Cardinals certainly could have another long season, optimism surrounds the retool in the desert. New head coach Jonathan Gannon should contribute to that as they embrace a new team identity eventually built around the defense and run game – a successful formula come playoff time.
Main Photo: Joe Camporeale – USA Today Sports
