On Monday, the Arizona Cardinals officially fired head coach Jonathan Gannon, marking the end of a tumultuous three-season run in the desert. The decision came after a disastrous 3-14 finish that included a nine-game losing streak to close the year, leaving the franchise firmly on the hunt for a fresh direction.
Kyler Murray Posts Farewell To Fired Head Coach
Less than hours after the team announced Gannon’s dismissal, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray sent a concise but striking message on X. In it, Murray wrote: “My guy, genuinely loved going to war with you. Appreciate who you are as a man and a coach. Warpath-,” conveying respect for his former head coach despite an ugly end to the season.
My guy, genuinely loved going to war with you. Appreciate who you are as a man and a coach. Warpath- pic.twitter.com/MzU2giXvjm
— Kyler Murray (@K1) January 5, 2026
Gannon’s tenure began in 2023 with promise after his success as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, but despite flashes of improvement, including an 8-9 season in 2024, the Cardinals never sustained momentum. Arizona’s defense, which was supposed to be the backbone of Gannon’s identity, consistently lagged in key metrics, and injuries only exacerbated their struggles in 2025.
Murray himself missed significant time this season due to a foot injury, appearing in just five games before landing on injured reserve. The offense sputtered without his dual-threat abilities, and the team regressed sharply. The quarterback’s future with the franchise has been the subject of speculation, with Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort acknowledging that all options remain on the table as the club turns over a new leaf.
For Arizona, the offseason now pivots to two major questions: Who will be the next head coach? and Will Murray still be under center when next season begins? The No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming draft gives the Cardinals leverage, but how they deploy it (and whether Murray remains part of their long-term plan) will define the next chapter of the franchise.
Jonathan Gannon coached the Cardinals for three full seasons, and finished with an overall record of just 15-36.
