Jonathan Gannon came to Arizona as the Eagles' former ace defensive coordinator in 2023. But after a 15-36 record in three playoff-less seasons as the Cardinals' head coach, Gannon was fired following a dismal 3-14 season in 2025.
Now the team will be back on the coaching search for 2026 and beyond.
Here's looking at whom Cardinals officials should consider most:
MORE: Why Cardinals fired Jonathan Gannon after three seasons
Ranking Cardinals 6 best coaching candidates
1. Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator (age: 44)
Flores' mindset would work well in Arizona to create some more motivation and get more out of the defense than Gannon did. He also would help the offense, knowing how much his scheme complemented what Kevin O'Connell called in Minnesota.
2. Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator (age: 38)
The Cardinals can look to a division rival much like the Bears did in taking Ben Johnson away from the Lions. Kubiak would be a good change with his offensive mind in the search for a new starting QB, given the team is expected to move on from Kyler Murray.
3. Mike McCarthy, former Packers and Cowboys coach (age: 62)
The Cardinals may go for a familiar name to stabilize their organization and McCarthy's experience can't be ignored for that mix. It would come with much less pressure than taking over the volatile Cowboys.
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4. Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator (age: 46)
The Packers' defense was a force when Micah Parsons was healthy earlier in the season. The former Boston College head coach has had a strong schematic influence over two years. He would be ready to make the pro jump.
5. Jim Bob Cooter, Colts offensive coordinator (age: 41)
JBC should be considered for what he did well with Daniel Jones under Shane Steichen. This hire would give the Cardinals a chance to replace Murray with fellow 2019 first-round QB Jones in free agency.
6. Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator (age: 38)
LaFleur, son of Packers head coach Mike, is now seasoned enough from the Sean McVay tree to branch out to help a division rival. The Cardinals would be pleasing starter job where he can hand-pick his QB.
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