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Kyler Murray relationship a priority for Cards’ new head coach

Vendetta Sports Media / NFL / February 17, 2023

Kyler Murray relationship a priority for Cards’ new head coach

Fresh off of a Super Bowl appearance as Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon is Arizona’s new head coach. The 40-year-old, first-time head coach will look to rebuild a team that finished with a 4-13 record in 2022. In his introductory press conference, Gannon established that a great relationship with Kyler Murray is a top priority.

Murray’s rocky relationship with former coach Kliff Kingsbury made headlines multiple times during their tenure together. Such a reality likely fueled Gannon establishing his belief in Murray as his franchise quarterback moving forward.

Gannon will have his work cut out for him rebuilding this current Cardinals team, but having a great relationship with Murray is the start to that successful rebuild.

Gannon and Murray did have the chance to meet face-to-face when the coach was hired. The interaction was brief but ended with Gannon proclaiming, “Let’s go win.” There may not be a whole lot of winning at first with this head coach quarterback duo, though. It is clear, however, that Gannon is striving to make his relationship with Murray a priority.

Cardinals are a complete rebuild job

After securing a playoff berth in 2021, the Cardinals turned into a dumpster fire just a year later. Kingsbury was unceremoniously fired following the end of the season. Led by an offensive minded head coach, the Cardinals’ defense allowed 26.4 PPG in 2022, 31st in the league.

Hiring the defensive coordinator of one of the league’s best defenses in 2022 made complete sense for Arizona. Gannon will look to maximize the few key defensive players he has, including Budda Baker and Isaiah Simmons. For a defense that cannot get much worse than it was in 2022, improvement under Gannon seems likely.

The Cardinals were already out of playoff contention by the time Murray tore his ACL in Week 14. Reports are also indicating that he will not be ready for Week 1 this year.

With trade rumors around DeAndre Hopkins and the retirement of A.J. Green, Arizona’s current offensive roster looks abysmal. This will make Gannon’s relationship with Murray even more of a priority given it may take a while to rebuild an offense currently in shambles.

Only time will tell if Arizona hired the right man for the job to rebuild this team.