A video of Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon went viral as his attempt to rally the troops fell flat. NFL fans wasted no time roasting him on social media, deeming Gannon’s speech “uninspiring.”
How Did Jonathan Gannon Address His New Team?
“Who drove over here? Who took the bus? If you didn’t have that fire in your gut, you better light that fire pretty fast.”
Gannon uttered this bizarre line after asking players about their method of transportation to the facility. Despite raising their hands, Cardinals’ players looked on in confusion and stoic silence. It didn’t help that his speech showed a lack of intensity, with a monotone delivery.
Cardinals’ HC Jonathan Gannon tries to set the tone for the season in the latest episode of #CardsFlightPlan, “Coach and the Coordinators”.
Now available on Cardinals YouTube channel: https://t.co/c6IWkLjvlw pic.twitter.com/sXbislaAFv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2023
Eagles Fans and Others Were Happy To Throw Dirt on Gannon’s Proverbial Grave
Gannon is still one of the most active topics with NFL fans on social media. Philadelphia Eagles fans, angry with Gannon in Super Bowl 57’s aftermath, led the roasting festivities. The Cardinals fans’ feelings on Gannon are mostly unknown, but based on the reception of social media, this speech doesn’t breed excitement for a new season.
This guy ain’t making it to November
— Philly Nation (@Philly__Nation) September 1, 2023
Those dudes look bored
— Eytan (@shandershow) September 1, 2023
Jonathan Gannon couldn’t set up a LEGO set for 2 year olds let alone a professional football team
— 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑒 シ (@BSP_Sully) September 1, 2023
wow what a snooze fest of a coach.
— Breaking Tackles Giants Podcast (@BTGiants) September 1, 2023
Who Is Jonathan Gannon?
Gannon held defensive and scouting roles on multiple NFL teams, including the Atlanta Falcons, then St. Louis Rams, Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and Indianapolis Colts. He was hired by the Eagles in 2021 as the defensive coordinator.
The 2021 Eagles’ defense allowed 21 points per game, good for 21st in the league, and 354 yards per game (bottom 10). Philly’s defense improved in 2022, setting a record for sacks in a season with 132, allowed 20 points per game, and held the league’s best passing defense.
Despite the numbers, Gannon’s defense was criticized for playing relaxed with leads and failing to consistently pressure any decent quarterback. During the regular season, opposing offenses would make a scoring push in late quarters.
After an abysmal performance in Super Bowl 57, where his defense surrendered 38 points to the Kansas City Chiefs, Gannon was relieved of his duties. He was criticized for his swift departure and his inability to take full accountability for said performance.
The Eagles’ defense failed to get pressure on Patrick Mahomes, playing soft zone, and allowing Chiefs’ wide receivers to constantly be wide open. After a bitter departure from Philadelphia, Arizona hired Gannon on Feb. 14, 2023 — just two days after coaching the Eagles’ defense in Super Bowl 57.