The NFL is a very tough league. Coaches work under big pressure every week. Teams must win, or changes happen fast. One recent decision shocked many fans. The Arizona Cardinals fired their head coach, Jonathan Gannon. What surprised people most was the timing. Just hours before he was fired, the team owner showed support for him on the sideline. This made fans confused and raised many questions about what really happened behind the scenes.
The Shocking Arizona Cardinals Coaching Decision Explained
The Arizona Cardinals decided to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon after the 2025 NFL season ended. He coached the team for three seasons. During this time, the team did not improve enough. The Cardinals play in a very hard division, the NFC West, and they struggled to compete.
The 2025 season was very difficult for the team. They could not find consistency on offense or defense. Gannon was hired to build a strong defense and a new team culture. However, the results did not show progress. The Cardinals finished the season with a 3–14 record. The front office felt the team was not moving forward. Because of this, they decided not to give him another year.
Michael Bidwill’s Sideline Interaction Raises Questions
What made this firing very strange was a moment with team owner Michael Bidwill. During the final game of the season against the Rams, cameras showed Bidwill and Gannon together on the sideline. They hugged and talked in a friendly way. It looked like Bidwill supported him.
In sports, body language often means something important. Many people thought this moment showed Gannon’s job was safe. That is why the firing felt sudden and confusing. Some believe the hug was only personal respect. Others think the decision was already made, but they kept it private. This moment made people question how honest NFL owners are with coaches and fans.
Analyzing the 2025 Season: Performance and Losing Streaks
Even though the sideline moment was confusing, the season results were very clear. The Cardinals did not play well overall. They made many mistakes and lost games they should have competed in. The team showed little improvement as the season went on.
They finished with a 3–14 record. Even worse, they lost their final nine games in a row. Over the last two months, they did not win a single game. The team struggled on third downs and had one of the worst turnover margins in the league. When a team loses nine straight games, it is very hard for an owner to keep the same coach.
Public Reaction and National NFL Media Coverage
Fans and sports media reacted strongly to this situation. Many people talked about the difference between what they saw on the sideline and what happened later. Sports shows on ESPN and NFL Network discussed how strange the situation looked.
Many fans said that public support like this often means a coach will be fired soon. Some experts believe the owner made the decision weeks earlier. They think the sideline hug was just a polite and respectful moment. Still, because cameras caught it, the moment went viral. It became a lesson about how business decisions in the NFL can look very different from public actions.
What’s Next for the Arizona Cardinals in 2026?
Now the Cardinals must find a new head coach. This is a very important decision for the team’s future. They want a coach who can help the team win soon and also change the team culture.
The Cardinals may look at top offensive coordinators or coaches with past experience. They want someone who brings stability and clear leadership. The team no longer wants close losses or rebuilding seasons. This change shows they want real progress and hope to return to the playoffs in the near future.
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources. Readers should cross-check updates from official news outlets.