Will Jonathan Gannon Be Fired? NFL Insider Sounds Off on Cardinals HC's Job Security

Despite the Arizona Cardinals' struggles, head coach Jonathan Gannon may not necessarily be on the hot seat.

Speaking to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, an NFL league source said, "I don't think [Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill] would fire someone who is doing a good job. The coach agreed to a five-year deal and I don't foresee the owner paying two years of salary unless it's really bad."

The Cardinals hired Gannon in 2023 on the heels of his success as the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive coordinator in 2021 and 2022.

Things have not come easily for Gannon in Arizona, though, as he has compiled a record of just 15-29 nearly three full seasons into his tenure.

After going 4-13 in 2023, the Cards showed significant improvement last season, finishing 8-9. That generated some hope regarding a potential playoff appearance this season.

However, since starting 2-0, the Cardinals have won only a single game, and they sit at 3-7 on the year.

The Cardinals' past two losses to the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers were by multiple scores, but their first five losses were by a grand total of 13 points, which suggests they could be in a much different place had a few more bounces gone their way.

▶️ Full 49ers-Cardinals Recap

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Injuries have taken a toll on the Cards this season, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

Quarterback Kyler Murray is on injured reserve with a foot injury, running back James Conner is out for the season, running back Trey Benson has missed the past six games and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will miss his second consecutive game this weekend.

However, even when healthy, Murray's play has been inconsistent at best under Gannon, and Jacoby Brissett has been the Cardinals' best quarterback this season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported earlier this month that a source told him a "separation is imminent" between Murray and the Cardinals during the offseason.

New quarterbacks and new head coaches often go hand in hand in the NFL, but that may not be the case in Arizona, and Jones explained a potential reason why.

Bidwill is still paying former head coach Kliff Kingsbury and former general manager John Keim, and firing Gannon would mean having to continue paying him, while also hiring a new coach.

That could mean Bidwill would be more inclined to give Gannon another year to turn things around, especially if the plan is to get him a more suitable quarterback in 2026.