Jonathan Gannon's recent press conference revealed a surprising look back at the start of his NFL journey, offering a glimpse into the challenges he's faced. It's been a whirlwind of a few weeks for the Cardinals' coach, marked by both on-field and off-field events.
Just ten days prior, Gannon found himself in the headlines due to an interaction with running back Emari Demercado, which resulted in a hefty six-figure fine. But the story doesn't end there. During a midweek press conference, Gannon delivered a response that has everyone talking.
A reporter posed a thoughtful question: "How early in your career did you have to start trying to figure out how to take the emotion out of coaching as far as when you have all these injuries and you have all these different pieces? When’s the first time that you can recall that?"
Gannon's reply was immediate and striking: "2007, when our quarterback went to jail."
The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of the statement hanging in the air, before someone offered a polite, "Coach, thank you!"
Gannon was referencing his inaugural NFL season. He had joined the Atlanta Falcons from Louisville, alongside head coach Bobby Petrino. Gannon was working as a quality control assistant on defense.
That July, the team's star quarterback, Mike Vick, was indicted on federal dogfighting charges. This was a major blow to the team, and a stark reality check for the young coach. Later that year, Petrino unexpectedly departed for Arkansas.
Gannon then spent the next three years in scouting with the Rams. He returned to coaching in 2012 with the Titans, and his career trajectory continued upward from there.
Now, the tides seem to be turning. Gannon is navigating his third year with the Cardinals, a franchise with a history of coaching changes. While his recent comment might not directly impact his future with the team, the odds of him securing a fourth year are becoming increasingly slim. This raises a critical question: how much does a coach's early career experiences shape their long-term success? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!
