GLENDALE – The first domino has fell in a likely franchise-altering offseason for the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Jonathan Gannon announced that seven-year Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will be out for the rest of the 2025 season, likely ending his time in the Valley for good. Arizona will likely be moving on from Murray, which is just the beginning of many expected changes for the team.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!At 3-9, owner Michael Bidwill will want want to make changes, as his team has fallen well short of preseason expectations. The easy choice to look at the coaching staff or front office. Gannon, general manager Monti Ossenfort or offensive coordinator Drew Petzing have all had their names thrown around as possible sacrifices this offseason.
Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon (left) hugs Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing before the game against the Washington Commander at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
Who is out Gannon, Ossenfort or Petzing?
The least likely option is Ossenfort. Bidwill is often very patience with general mangers, with Steve Keim given nine years despite a lack of significant results. Plus, Ossenfort is coming off an impressive 2025 draft class, grabbing future star players like Walter Nolen and Will Johnson.
The toss up will be between Gannon and Petzing. Arizona’s defense started out really impressive and taken a bit of a dip because of injuries, but defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has done a great job with group. The offense is holding the Cardinals back in many of the team’s losses.
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 31, 2023.
Petzing is the offensive play caller, but Gannon is the face of the coaching staff and having an overall record of 15 wins and 31 losses is a hard pill to swallow. Each are on the hot seat, but it is unlikely both will be dismissed. The only saving grace for Gannon is Bidwill seems unlikely to pay another coach to not coach the franchise, with former head coach Kliff Kingsbury still being paid by Arizona.
Offensive coordinator Drew Petzing during training camp at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 31, 2023. © Mark Henle / USA TODAY NETWORK
Petzing is the odd man out. His play calling has been under constant fire the entire season, with little improvements, even after backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett took over. Injuries have plagued the offense, losing their top two running backs. However, in the small sample size of the first two weeks of the season with everyone healthy, it wasn’t pretty.
The fans want change and the third-year offensive coordinator is the easiest one to chop off, while keeping the team together. Many players have come out in recent weeks to vocalize their support for Gannon, solidifying his place as the head coach.
Bringing in a new offensive coordinator, and likely a new quarterback, could be the perfect reset for the Cardinals to revamp the franchise for the immediate future.
Cardinals players react to losing Kyler Murray for rest of 2025 season
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
