Jonathan Gannon has message for team in classy departure after firing

The Cardinals parted ways with Jonathan Gannon on Monday and allowed him one final meeting with his team to share the news – during which he shared an important message to his now-former players about handling his departure.

Gannon, who joined the Cardinals in 2023 after a stint as the Eagles' defensive coordinator, started his third season with Arizona 2-0 – but the Cardinals subsequently lost 14 of their last 15 games, including nine consecutive losses to close the year. The Cardinals finished the season 3-14 overall, marking the team's worst record under Gannon and the franchise's worst season since 2018, as well as their only third three-win season in the past 25 years. His tenure in Tempe comes to a close with a 15-36 overall record.

Advertisement

But despite things not going anywhere near how he had likely hoped with the franchise, Gannon held his head high and delivered what will likely be an impactful message to his team after learning the news. Allowed to announce the decision to the locker room, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Gannon delivered a "powerful final message" on how his firing is just another example of the adversity the team has faced this season and must continue to fight through.

Owner Michael Bidwell and general manager Monti Ossenfort addressed the media in a joint press conference on Monday, where they discussed mutual respect for Gannon's tenure, in particular a change in locker room discipline and culture during his time at the helm. Ossenfort said he will be looking for a "strong leader" with a focus on player development during the upcoming coaching search, and that it will not be a "quick process, nor do we want it to be."

Gannon is the sixth coach to be fired this season in the NFL and the fourth since the season ended on Sunday, joining Brian Callahan (Titans), Brian Daboll (Giants), Raheem Morris (Falcons), Kevin Stefanski (Browns), and Pete Carroll (Raiders) on that list. Gannon is notably a Cleveland native and could find himself in the running for the vacancy in Cleveland or a spot on the new head coach's staff.

Advertisement

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Jonathan Gannon has message for team in classy departure after firing