The Cardinals managed to poach Jonathan Gannon from the Eagles, filling the head coaching vacancy left behind by Kliff Kingsbury. Having recently introduced himself to his new team, Gannon spoke with Peter King of NBC Sports and offered some insight into his decision to make the move to Arizona.
Gannon made clear in his comments to King that he would not have joined the Cardinals if quarterback Kyler Murray wasn’t with the organization.
Additionally, the 40-year-old said the Eagles offered him more money to remain as Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator than he’s poised to earn in Arizona, but his desire to become a head coach and the prospect of working with Murray and the Cardinals’ front office were major factors in his decision.
“If Kyler Murray isn’t here, I don’t take this job,” said Gannon. “I think this offense will look much different. This guy does things that it completely handcuffs how you play defense–at times. I think we can take him to another level and unleash his full skill set.”
Although Arizona’s new coach didn’t put any figures next to Philadelphia’s supposed offer, he did insinuate it was head coach money.
“They came back and they were like, ‘Here’s a new offer. It’s gonna pay you more than a head coach,’” Gannon said of the Eagles.
Gannon signed a five-year deal with the Cardinals. Despite having spent most of his career coaching on the defensive side of the ball, Gannon honed in on his excitement at working with the organization’s franchise quarterback.
After two seasons as Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, the first-time head coach is hoping to find success in his new role with the Cardinals, indicating he was willing to accept Arizona’s lesser offer in order to take the next step in his career.
