Jonathan Gannon’s look back on Cardinals tenure highlights lessons for franchise

Gannon emphasized growth and the relationships he formed during his time in Glendale, something that mattered more than wins and losses.

“Obviously, very grateful for the opportunity,” Gannon said to the Green Bay press, now the Packers’ defensive coordinator. “Met a lot of good people and formed a lot of good relationships there and learned a lot just with being in that seat. And then coming here with this role, you try to take some of those things that you learned and apply it as much as you can to your new role.”

“Obviously, very grateful for the opportunity. Met a lot of good people, formed a lot of good relationships there, and learned a lot.”

New #Packers DC Jonathan Gannon reflects on his time in Arizona. pic.twitter.com/YDsGfycavU

— SleeperCardinals (@SleeperAZCards) May 5, 2026

Gannon’s reflection focused more on what happened behind the scenes rather than what fans saw on the field. His hiring in 2023 was initially viewed as a culture reset, bringing in a defensive-minded leader to stabilize a changing roster. The former head coach’s relationships with players like Kyler Murray offered a snapshot of what could have been.

Instead, on-field inconsistency and internal growing pains led to a short tenure in the Valley, leaving the Cardinals to undergo another coaching overhaul.

Sep 25, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and head coach Jonathan Gannon talk before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

The fallout from Gannon’s firing after the 2025-26 season was not due to a single moment, but a combination of factors, including questions about roster development and a lack of visible progress in the NFC West. Ownership opted for a different direction, signaling impatience with a rebuild that failed to gain traction quickly enough.

Still, Gannon’s comments reflect a team that had more happening in the locker room than the standings showed. The relationships he formed and the lessons learned point to a foundational phase that may yet benefit the franchise, despite his no longer being part of it.

Relationships couldn’t be used for sustained success, and although Gannon looks back at his time with the franchise fondly, stats and records showcase an unstable roster that never could find its groove with him at the helm.

Oct 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Now in a new role, Gannon appears focused on applying those lessons rather than dwelling on what went wrong. For Arizona, it is also about applying those same lessons to its current rebuild — a process Cardinals fans will be watching closely to see if any of that foundation finally translates into lasting stability.