Jonathan Gannon Faces the Fire, But Stays Focused on the Cardinals’ Long Game
The Arizona Cardinals are in a freefall. Sunday’s 40-20 loss to the Houston Texans wasn’t just another tally in the loss column - it was the fourth blowout in six games and a stark reminder of how far this team has to go.
At 3-11, the frustration is boiling over in the desert. But if you’re expecting head coach Jonathan Gannon to flinch under the pressure, think again.
Gannon met the media on Monday with the same calm, steady demeanor he’s shown all season. No spin, no sales pitch. When asked if he felt the need to make a case to team owner Michael Bidwill for another year, Gannon didn’t hesitate: “There’s no pitch.”
That’s not defiance - it’s focus. Gannon says his attention is locked on Week 15 and the Atlanta Falcons.
At 5-9, Atlanta isn’t exactly a juggernaut, but for Arizona, every game now is about more than just the scoreboard. It’s about evaluation, development, and figuring out who’s part of the long-term plan.
And Gannon knows that plan has hit some serious snags.
“We talked about it today - nobody is pleased. I am not happy, they are not happy,” Gannon said, referencing conversations with Bidwill and others within the organization.
“At this point in the year where we’re at, it’s tough. There’s definitely some adversity, a lot of adversity.”
That adversity has come in waves. Injuries have gutted the roster, especially on offense, and the team has struggled to stay competitive late in games.
Gannon didn’t dodge that reality. In fact, he leaned into it - and pointed to two key areas where he believes the team has fallen short: health and player development.
“Health and development are two of the biggest things to me,” he said. “And there’s a lot of different factors that go into that, and I’m responsible for all of them.”
That kind of accountability matters. Gannon isn’t deflecting blame or hiding behind excuses.
He’s acknowledging that both the things he can control - like coaching decisions and player growth - and the things he can’t - like injuries - have all contributed to this brutal stretch. And he’s not pretending otherwise.
But what’s next? That’s the question hanging over the franchise.
Gannon says he’s taking notes, reflecting on the season, and identifying areas that need change. He’s not just coaching for Sunday - he’s thinking about 2026 and beyond.
“I’m concentrating on Atlanta, but I do have to have a little bit of foresight,” Gannon said. “With how this year’s gone, what do we have to take a look at with a critical eye and change? Because if we keep doing the same thing, you keep getting the same result - that’s not good by anybody in my seat.”
There’s no denying the numbers are ugly. Arizona has lost six straight and is 1-11 since Week 2.
The second halves of games have been especially painful, with the Cardinals often falling completely out of contention after halftime. That’s not just a talent issue - it’s a coaching one, too.
And Gannon knows it.
Still, for all the heat he’s taking - and make no mistake, it’s getting loud - Gannon isn’t acting like a coach on the hot seat. He says he and Bidwill speak daily, and the conversations remain focused on solutions, not ultimatums.
“What are we going to do to get this team rolling?” he said, summarizing those talks.
That might not satisfy fans who are desperate for change, or for some sign that the organization is ready to shake things up. But Gannon isn’t looking to appease social media or chase public approval. He’s betting on his process, his staff, and his players - even in the face of mounting losses.
“The silver lining of adversity is you grow,” he said. “I believe in myself and I believe in our team.
And we are at a dip right now, and we’re going through some adversity. But I do believe in us, and we’ll get out of the dip.”
That belief is admirable, but belief alone won’t fix what’s broken in Arizona. The Cardinals need more than positive vibes - they need answers.
And fast. Because while Gannon may not be coaching for his job in his mind, the results on the field are painting a different picture.
There’s still time to show progress, even in a lost season. But the window is closing.
The Falcons are next. Then three more games.
And then, decisions will have to be made - not just about Gannon, but about the direction of the entire franchise.
For now, Gannon is staying the course. But the clock is ticking.