BREAKING NEWS: Former Arizona Cardinal head coach Kliff Kingsbury who is the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders sent a message to Arizonal cardinal head coach Jonathan Gannon concerning….see more

In the world of the National Football League (NFL), relationships between coaches often extend beyond the confines of their current jobs. This reality was highlighted in dramatic fashion when former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, now serving as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, reportedly sent a significant message to his successor in Arizona, Jonathan Gannon. The communication, which insiders have described as both professional and heartfelt, has captured the attention of fans, analysts, and players alike, sparking conversations across the football community about the evolving dynamics between former and current leadership.

While details of the exchange are only beginning to emerge, sources close to the situation confirm that Kingsbury’s message was not merely a casual note of encouragement, but a considered reflection on the challenges of leading the Cardinals organization. For both men, the moment represents an intersection of their unique coaching journeys—Kingsbury’s tenure as the young, innovative offensive mind who struggled to achieve consistency in Arizona, and Gannon’s current attempt to build a foundation for long-term success with a team still in transition.

A Look Back: Kliff Kingsbury’s Tenure in Arizona

Kliff Kingsbury arrived in Arizona in 2019 under a cloud of curiosity and skepticism. Fresh off a stint at Texas Tech, where his offenses dazzled but his record left questions unanswered, Kingsbury was tapped to bring an air raid-style offensive scheme to the NFL. His hiring coincided with the selection of quarterback Kyler Murray, who was drafted first overall in 2019 after Kingsbury made clear his admiration for the dynamic signal-caller.

At first, the pairing of Kingsbury and Murray seemed to be a match made in football heaven. Murray quickly became one of the league’s most electrifying playmakers, and the Cardinals’ offense began showing flashes of explosiveness that gave fans hope for a new era. By 2021, Kingsbury had led the Cardinals to the playoffs with an 11–6 record, and the team looked poised to become perennial contenders in the NFC.

However, cracks soon began to show. Late-season collapses plagued the team, discipline appeared inconsistent, and questions about Kingsbury’s adaptability grew louder. Injuries to key players, including Murray, further complicated the picture. By the end of the 2022 season, the Cardinals finished 4–13, and ownership made the difficult decision to part ways with Kingsbury. His tenure in Arizona closed with a record of 28–37–1, leaving behind a mix of thrilling highlights and lingering frustrations.

The Jonathan Gannon Era Begins

Following Kingsbury’s departure, the Cardinals turned to Jonathan Gannon, the former defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, who had just led one of the most formidable defensive units in recent memory. Hired in early 2023, Gannon arrived with the mandate of rebuilding a team in disarray. He faced immediate challenges: Kyler Murray was recovering from a torn ACL, the roster had been stripped of several key veterans, and expectations were tempered by the realities of a lengthy rebuild.

Gannon, however, brought with him a reputation for discipline, defensive acumen, and player development. His message from day one was clear—this would be a long-term project, not a quick fix. He emphasized building a winning culture, instilling accountability, and laying the foundation for sustainable success. In his debut season, the Cardinals showed flashes of improvement despite their struggles in the standings. Young players were given opportunities to grow, and the team’s resilience began to reflect Gannon’s influence.

Kingsbury’s New Chapter in Washington

Meanwhile, Kliff Kingsbury’s NFL story was far from over. After taking a brief hiatus following his exit from Arizona, Kingsbury resurfaced in 2024 as the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders under new head coach Dan Quinn. The Commanders, who had long sought offensive innovation, saw Kingsbury as the perfect fit to rejuvenate their attack. His task in Washington has been to maximize young talent, modernize the passing game, and give the team an identity that could compete in the ever-challenging NFC East.

So far, Kingsbury’s presence in Washington has been met with cautious optimism. His schemes remain creative, and the Commanders’ offense has begun showing signs of life. While Washington’s ultimate success will hinge on execution and player development, Kingsbury’s reputation as a quarterback-friendly coach remains intact.

The Message: Kingsbury to Gannon

Against this backdrop, the recent message sent by Kingsbury to Jonathan Gannon takes on added significance. According to multiple reports, Kingsbury reached out to Gannon with words of encouragement regarding the Cardinals’ ongoing rebuild and the challenges of leading an NFL team under scrutiny. Insiders say the message included three central themes:

1. Respect for the Position: Kingsbury acknowledged the unique pressures of coaching the Cardinals, praising Gannon for his efforts to instill a winning culture despite difficult circumstances.
2. Encouragement for Kyler Murray’s Development: Having been instrumental in Murray’s entry into the league, Kingsbury reportedly emphasized the importance of continuing to build around the quarterback’s unique skill set. He encouraged Gannon to ensure Murray had the support, both schematically and personally, to thrive.
3. Lessons Learned: Perhaps most importantly, Kingsbury is said to have shared some of the hard lessons he learned during his tenure—about team culture, handling adversity, and adapting when plans go awry. His note to Gannon, though brief, carried a tone of humility and reflection, acknowledging both his own shortcomings and the potential he still sees in the Cardinals organization.

Why This Message Matters

At first glance, some may wonder why such a communication is significant. After all, coaches exchange messages and conversations frequently in the NFL fraternity. But in this case, the story resonates because it highlights the unique continuity between two leaders tasked with shaping the same organization.

For fans of the Cardinals, Kingsbury’s message provides a reminder that despite his struggles, he still harbors respect for the team and its potential. For Gannon, it serves as a vote of confidence from someone who knows firsthand the weight of the role. And for the NFL community, it illustrates the ways in which competition can coexist with camaraderie among coaches who understand the difficulties of the profession.

The Broader Implications

This development also underscores a broader truth about the NFL: success is fleeting, and coaching legacies are often defined not just by wins and losses, but by relationships and resilience. Kingsbury’s message to Gannon, while simple in form, reflects the shared humanity behind the game’s intense competition. It also provides a fascinating subplot as both men continue to write their respective coaching stories.

For Kingsbury, the future will hinge on whether he can re-establish himself as a top offensive mind and potentially earn another head coaching opportunity down the road. For Gannon, the challenge lies in building the Cardinals into a contender, proving that his methodical approach can translate into sustained success.

Fan and Media Reaction

Unsurprisingly, news of Kingsbury’s message has generated significant buzz on social media and among sports analysts. Some fans have applauded Kingsbury for showing humility and maturity, noting that it takes character to acknowledge one’s past while encouraging a successor. Others remain skeptical, questioning whether Kingsbury’s comments reflect genuine goodwill or an attempt to reshape his legacy in Arizona.

Media outlets, meanwhile, have framed the exchange as a fascinating case study in professional courtesy and mentorship. On NFL talk shows, pundits have debated whether Gannon should take Kingsbury’s advice to heart or simply focus on charting his own course. Either way, the conversation has breathed new life into discussions about both the Cardinals’ rebuild and Kingsbury’s ongoing career.

Conclusion

The NFL is as much about stories as it is about scores, and the recent communication between Kliff Kingsbury and Jonathan Gannon is proof of that. What might seem like a simple message carries layers of meaning: respect for the profession, acknowledgment of past struggles, and optimism for the future.

Kingsbury’s time in Arizona may have ended in disappointment, but his willingness to reach out to Gannon demonstrates that the bonds formed in the NFL often outlast wins and losses. As both men continue their journeys—Kingsbury with the Washington Commanders and Gannon with the Arizona Cardinals—their shared connection offers a reminder that football, at its core, is a game built on relationships, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth.

Only time will tell if Gannon can succeed where Kingsbury fell short, or if Kingsbury will one day return to the head coaching ranks. But for now, their story offers fans a rare glimpse into the respect and reflection that exists behind the scenes of the NFL’s high-stakes drama.