GLENDALE – After his firing last week on Black Monday, many wondered how quickly would former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon get his opportunity to coach in the NFL. The answer would be exactly one week as Dallas News writer Joseph Hoyt reported that Gannon will have his first coaching interview since being fired with the Dallas Cowboys for their opening defensive coordinator spot.
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Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon watches from the sideline as his team plays the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium on Dec. 15, 2024. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Cowboys looking at former Cardinals head coach:
Gannon was hired by Arizona because of his stellar work with the Philadelphia Eagles as their defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2022. The 42-year-old inherited a defense that was 19th in yards and 20th in scoring, and his first year turned the defense top 10 in yards and 18th in points. An impressive debut, but Gannon’s second season with Philadelphia was special by coaching the second-best yards allowed and eight-best scoring defense in 2022.
The Eagles had the league’s best record and would build off the tremendous defense and offense to a Super Bowl appearance. Despite losing the big game, Gannon earned an opportunity to coach an NFL franchise with Arizona.
Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon looks on in the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Three seasons later, Gannon would be fired after a combined 15-36 record. His defense peaked in 2024 being 15th in scoring, but the two other years had the franchise at 31st and 29th in points allowed. The personnel and injuries could be blamed for Arizona’s shortcomings defensively, but still a tough situation to explain when job hunting.
Dallas had the worst scoring defense in the NFL last season, and was Gannon’s lone win outside of the first two weeks in 2025. The Cowboys scored a season-low in points at home against Gannon’s Cardinals, which could have impressed owner Jerry Jones and the decision makers in the organization.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
