Why Cardinals Reportedly Won't Get 'Top-Tier' HC Candidate After Firing Jonathan Gannon

The Arizona Cardinals' opening at head coach reportedly won't attract top candidates compared to other vacancies around the NFL after firing Jonathan Gannon.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cardinals will have a "hard time attracting a top-tier coaching candidate because history has shown they haven't spent big money on coaches." Gannon was also in the "bottom tier" of coaching salaries.

"That's a tough thing to tell a fanbase, that the organization is not gonna spend top dollar when you're going up against McVay, Shanahan and Macdonald six times a year," Schultz reported. "But that's just how they're viewed right now. It's a 3-14 team with no clear plan at quarterback and their division had three playoff teams, including the final two in the NFC right now. That's not an easy job at all."

The Cardinals missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season in 2025, finishing with a 3-14 record while closing out the year on a nine-game losing streak.

Quarterback Kyler Murray only appeared in five contests as he dealt with a foot injury, with ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reporting that a separation between Murray and the Cardinals was "imminent."

Arizona will look to climb out of the basement of the NFC West standings next season, a tough task considering the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks all won at least 12 games in 2025.

While the Cardinals boast star tight end Trey McBride as well as an intriguing receiving duo of Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., they also finished with the NFL's No. 29 scoring defense by allowing 28.7 points per game.

Still, Arizona has been linked to several candidates for its head coaching opening including Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

As the Cardinals navigate through the hiring process, they may have a difficult time landing a candidate that other teams are also pursuing.