Turbulent Times for the Cardinals
As the Arizona Cardinals approach the final stretch of the season, the conversation surrounding the future of the franchise is intensifying. With only three games remaining, speculation about the job security of head coach Jonathan Gannon and general manager Monti Ossenfort is growing. After a promising start that saw the Cardinals win their first two games, the team has spiraled to a disappointing 3-11 record. This downturn in performance has raised questions about the direction of the organization and the decisions that owner Michael Bidwill will need to make in the offseason.
Pressure Mounting on Leadership
The Cardinals’ lackluster season has placed immense scrutiny on their leadership. Following their initial success, the team has failed to maintain momentum, and the stark reality of their situation has set in. Bidwill, known for his commitment to his staff, is now faced with a critical decision-making juncture. NFL insider Albert Breer weighed in on the situation, indicating that Gannon’s job could be on the line.
“Arizona at this stage — Michael Bidwill is the owner there — really likes the guys he has in charge. Likes Monti Ossenfort, likes Jonathan Gannon. But the level of regression this year I think has forced him into a spot where what do you do?” Breer remarked during a recent episode of the MMQB podcast. His insights reflect the internal struggle within the organization as it grapples with the ramifications of a disappointing season.
The Future of Gannon and Ossenfort
Breer elaborated on the potential ramifications for both Gannon and Ossenfort, highlighting the uncertainty that looms over their future roles. “It seemed like over the first two years their ability to accumulate draft picks, their ability to accumulate young talent to have the team going like this [up] — so do you look at this year if you’re Bidwill and say, ‘Well, we tried with Kyler Murray and it didn’t work. Like that sort of blew up the plan and give those guys some grace?’ Or, do you say we can’t have this in the third year of a new program?”
When pressed for specific probabilities regarding their job security, Breer provided a sobering assessment. He assigned a 70% chance that Gannon could be fired, while Ossenfort’s security stood at a 40% likelihood of retaining his position. Breer’s familiarity with the Cardinals’ inner workings makes his insights particularly noteworthy, suggesting that fans should take these probabilities seriously.
Looking Ahead
As the Cardinals prepare for the final games of the season, the question remains: what will the organization ultimately decide? The outcome of these next few weeks could shape the future landscape of the team, affecting not only Gannon and Ossenfort but also the overall strategy moving forward. With the NFL Draft looming and a need for improvement evident, the Cardinals must navigate a critical offseason that could redefine the trajectory of their franchise.
