GLENDALE – By keeping Monti Ossenfort and firing Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals sent a clear message, this rebuild is still being trusted to the same architect.
Many experts believed that Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon would be on the chopping block at the end of the season. However, when Monday arrived, only Gannon was fired and the third year Cardinals general manager was trusted to lead the search for the franchise’s 44th head coach.
During Monday’s press conference, Ossenfort went into great detail of what he’s looking for in Arizona’s next head coach to turn around from the worst season in the team’s history.
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort during an NFL pre-draft news conference at the Cardinals Dignity Health Training Center in Tempe on April 18, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Ossenfort on what characteristics he’s looking for in next head coach:
“We’re looking for a strong leader. Being a head coach in the NFL is a difficult job and there is 31 other teams that are trying to do the same thing that we’re doing. A lot goes into that. There’s being a strong leader, it’s creating accountability and dependability in the locker room.
“It’s creating advantages on the field, putting our players in position to be successful. It’s developing young players. It’s helping them take that next step. We get players out of college, and we have to get them better. There is a lot that fells under the umbrella of a head coach, and we’re focused on finding a coach that can help us achieve those goals.”
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill (left) and general manager Monti Ossenfort watches from the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The timeline of Arizona hiring a new head coach is tricky, as the rules enforced by the NFL will make the franchise take its time in the process, which Ossenfort is happy to oblige. The 47-year-old hammered home that his staff will be aggressive and thorough in the coaching search, with many jobs openings across the league.
When asked if Kyler Murray be a factored for picking the next head coach, Ossenfort said it’s too soon to elevate the quarterback position. Ossenfort mentioned all the QBs on the roster will be considered, mentioning Jacoby Brissett and Kedon Slovis. Many reports have Murray being traded this offseason after seven years with the franchise, and Ossenfort’s answer doesn’t help to kill those rumors.
Bidwill and Ossenfort believes the roster is enough to win and will find a coach that can help elevate the Cardinals back to winning football games.
Cardinals owner Bidwill reveals reason for Gannon’s firing after 3 seasons
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
