GLENDALE – Twenty-six days have passed since the firing of former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, and it has been a wake up call for the franchise. The NFL head coaching search started with 10 and is down with two, with Arizona and the Las Vegas Raiders.
GLENDALE – Twenty-six days have passed since the firing of former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, and it has been a wake up call for the franchise. The NFL head coaching search started with 10 and is down with two, with Arizona and the Las Vegas Raiders. The two top candidates appear to be Seattle Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak and Los Angeles Rams OC Mike LaFleur, with the former connected to the Raiders job and the latter with the Cardinals.
Despite the franchise finding a solid candidate to fill the role, not interviewing top guys like John Harbaugh, Sean McDermott and others illustrated how others view the organization. Former Cardinals edge J.J. Watt appeared on The Pat McAfee show and explained by the uncertainty at QB might be the reason for the lack of interest.
December 12, 2022; Glendale, Ariz; USA; Cardinals defensive lineman JJ Watt (99) comes onto the field prior to a game against the Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Watt on the delay for Cardinals coaching hire:
When Watt joined the team, Arizona had a 23-year-old Kyle Murray coming off his first Pro Bowl selection and nearly threw for 4,000 yards. The future was bright and was attractive enough the for the future Hall of Famer to take a risk with the team. However, in 2026, the franchise still has Murray but are seemingly look to trade him, which has had a clear effect on the coaching search.
Dec 7, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) on the side line against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The former first overall pick is still one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch in the NFL. His injury history over the last few years has been rough, but has proven when healthy he is still a quality starter in this league. Seven years with Arizona and zero playoff wins has the organization ready to move on, but could a new head coach put his foot down on wanting to keep the 28-year-old?
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
Category: General Sports
