Former Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu ridicules Jonathan Gannon following firing

5 days ago 2

GLENDALE – With the announcement of Jonathan Gannon’s firing from the Arizona Cardinals, many have gave reaction and thoughts on the matter. Many players went to social media, like quarterback Kyler Murray, to show their support for their former head coach. However, a former Cardinals player didn’t hold his tongue about his feelings towards Gannon.

Retired safety Tyrann Mathieu spoke on his podcast “In the Bayou,” about the news of Gannon’s firing, airing out a two minute rant against the 42-year-old.

Dec 10, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) against the Tennessee Titans at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Mathieu’s rant on Gannon:

Mathieu was long gone from Arizona before Gannon took the role of head coach. Despite that fact, the three-time Pro Bowler’s connection to the franchise and the city made him passionate about the team’s success. Gannon’s lack of “passion” is what bugged Mathieu the most when watching postgame press conferences. With a 15-36 record, more often than not, Gannon was answering for a loss, and Mathieu believe he was too nonchalant and lacked a drive to improve the team.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon looks onto the field during a NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. Syndication: The Enquirer

During his five-year tenure with the Cardinals, Mathieu was able to build a bond not only with the fans and teammates, but the media as well, calling out ESPN’s Cardinals writer Josh Weinfuss for his work. The 33-year-old didn’t like how Gannon interacted with the media and believed the passion and drive wasn’t there for the team to succeed.

While owner Michael Bidwill and general manger claim that Gannon built a culture with the team, the record doesn’t illustrate that fact. All accounts has the former head coach as a stand-up guy, but that doesn’t equate to wins in the NFL and Mathieu highlighted that heavily.