Is Jonathan Gannon the NFL’s next coaching superstar? The Arizona Cardinals’ leader has defied expectations, landing in the top 5 for Fox Sports’ Coach of the Year odds. His remarkable turnaround of the team has everyone talking. Could this be the year he takes home the prestigious award?
As the highly anticipated 2025 NFL season draws near, all eyes are keenly focused on the Arizona Cardinals and the remarkable transformation unfolding under the leadership of head coach Jonathan Gannon. His strategic acumen and ability to inspire growth have not only propelled his team forward but have also unexpectedly positioned him as a strong contender for the coveted NFL Coach of the Year award, a testament to his burgeoning influence in the league.
Adding significant weight to Gannon’s rising profile, Fox Sports has unveiled its betting odds for the 2025 NFL Coach of the Year, placing the Cardinals’ head coach prominently within the top five. Gannon currently holds an impressive fourth-place ranking with +1400 odds, finding himself in esteemed company, trailing only seasoned coaches such as the New England Patriots’ Mike Vrabel, the Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson, and the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Liam Coen, underscoring the industry’s recognition of his impact.
The tangible evidence of Gannon’s guidance is clearly reflected in the Arizona Cardinals’ year-over-year improvement since his arrival in 2023, just two days after the Eagles’ Super Bowl appearance. Under his stewardship, the team made a significant leap from a challenging 4-13 record in 2023 to a far more competitive 8-9 standing in 2024, illustrating substantial progress across various facets of their game in a remarkably short span of two seasons.
Further validating Gannon’s effectiveness, the NFL’s 2025 NFLPA Report Cards, despite ranking the Cardinals last overall in certain metrics, delivered a resounding endorsement for their head coach. Gannon received an exemplary ‘A’ grade, a clear indication of his exceptional leadership and the positive environment he has fostered within the organization, even as the team navigates its rebuilding phase.
Delving deeper into the NFLPA Report Card findings, Gannon’s high marks are attributed to his profound receptiveness to locker room feedback regarding the team’s needs, a quality deeply valued by players. Furthermore, an impressive 92% of Cardinals players expressed their belief that Gannon utilizes their time with utmost efficiency, highlighting his organized approach and commitment to maximizing every practice and meeting session.
These converging traits – a strong player connection, strategic development, and efficient leadership – collectively underscore Gannon’s innate ability to extract the highest level of performance from his roster. If he can maintain this upward trajectory with the Cardinals, continuously elevating his players’ capabilities year after year, Arizona could very well find itself on the precipice of a playoff berth, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.
Ultimately, Gannon’s sustained success and the Cardinals’ continued ascent could not only cement his status among the NFL’s most elite coaching minds but also potentially culminate in him earning the prestigious NFL Coach of the Year award. His journey from an unexpected hire to a top contender epitomizes the dramatic shifts possible in professional football and sets a compelling narrative for the upcoming season.
