BREAKING NEWS: Arizona Cardinals Head coach Jonathan Gannon He signed a multi-year contract extension in August 2025 after leading the team to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years, and has been with the team since his return in 2021 as announce his resignation letter to bold……… see more

In a stunning and unexpected development, Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, who just months ago signed a multi-year contract extension in August 2025 following the most successful season in a generation, has officially announced his resignation.

The news comes as a shock to fans, players, and analysts alike — especially after Gannon led the Cardinals to their first championship appearance in 25 years.

(Editor’s note: The reference to the “NBA Finals” in early reports appears to be a misstatement; the Cardinals are an NFL franchise. Gannon’s success was within the NFL postseason, not the NBA.)

From Return to Renaissance: The Gannon Era

Jonathan Gannon returned to the Cardinals organization in 2021, inheriting a roster plagued by inconsistency and rebuilding challenges. Over the next four seasons, he became the architect of a remarkable turnaround, transforming Arizona into one of the NFL’s most disciplined and balanced teams.

Under Gannon’s leadership:

• The Cardinals reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

• Quarterback Kyler Murray enjoyed a career resurgence, crediting Gannon for “restoring the belief system.”

• The defense — once among the league’s weakest — finished the 2024 season ranked top-five in key metrics, including points allowed and takeaways.

That success culminated in a 2025 playoff run that ended just short of a Super Bowl title — a journey that captured national attention and re-energized the franchise.

The Stunning Resignation

According to league sources, Gannon submitted his formal resignation letter late Wednesday night to the team’s executive board — referred to internally as “the bold” in organizational documents — ending his tenure abruptly less than two months after his contract extension was finalized.

While no official reason has been made public, insiders point to creative differences with front-office leadership and exhaustion from the pressures of the role as contributing factors.

“This wasn’t about money or results,” said one source familiar with the decision. “Jonathan just felt it was time. He accomplished what he came here to do — rebuild, re-establish, and restore pride. But the grind of the last few years caught up to him.”

In a brief statement released Thursday morning, Gannon wrote:

“Coaching this team has been the greatest privilege of my life. We built something special here in Arizona — together. I will forever be proud of the culture, the players, and the passion of our fans. It’s simply time for me to step away and focus on the next chapter of my journey.”

Reactions Pour In

Inside the Cardinals’ locker room, emotions ran high as news of Gannon’s departure spread.

Quarterback Kyler Murray, who has often described Gannon as a “player’s coach,” posted:

“The man who believed in us when the world doubted. Thank you, Coach G. You made us a family.”

Veteran safety Budda Baker added in a team statement:

“He changed the entire energy of this organization. We’re grateful for everything he did.”

Around the league, several fellow head coaches and former assistants expressed respect for Gannon’s leadership and attention to detail. “Jonathan is one of the smartest minds in football,” one NFC coach told NFL Network. “He’ll be back — sooner than people think.”

The Front Office Responds

The Cardinals front office released an official statement Thursday afternoon:

“We thank Jonathan Gannon for his dedication, professionalism, and the incredible progress he brought to the Arizona Cardinals organization. His leadership guided this team to heights not reached in over two decades. We wish him and his family nothing but success moving forward.”

Team owner Michael Bidwill is expected to address reporters in an upcoming press conference regarding Gannon’s exit and the plan for finding his successor.

Who Could Replace Him?

With the offseason approaching, the Cardinals face the critical challenge of naming a new head coach to maintain the franchise’s upward momentum. Early speculation points to:

• Nick Rallis, defensive coordinator and longtime Gannon protégé.

• Eric Bieniemy, former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator.

• Brian Johnson, a rising offensive mind and former Eagles assistant.

League insiders expect an interim appointment within the week.

Legacy of a Leader

Regardless of the timing, Jonathan Gannon leaves behind a lasting legacy in Arizona. His tenure revived a stagnant franchise, restored a competitive identity, and reignited belief among a fan base that had grown weary of disappointment.

He exits as one of the few head coaches in team history to deliver double-digit wins in consecutive seasons and lead the Cardinals deep into postseason play.

“He turned doubters into believers,” one team executive said. “Jonathan’s name will forever be part of this organization’s story.”

A Quiet Ending to a Loud Era

For Jonathan Gannon, the decision marks the end of a transformative chapter — not just for him, but for Arizona football.