In an interesting excerpt from a conversation with new Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, we learned that quarterback Kyler Murray played a huge factor in bringing the first-time head coach to Arizona, according to Peter King of NBC Sports. There was also a bit of information detailing just how badly the Eagles wanted to hang on to their former defensive coordinator. 
When asked about how the “polarizing figure” of Murray factored into Gannon’s decision, Gannon frankly replied, “If Kyler Murray isn’t here, I don’t take this job.”
Gannon went on to laud the young quarterback, praising the ability he has to put defenses in a bind. He then elaborated on where he thinks he can improve on Murray’s usage. Gannon believes that Murray was utilized out of the shotgun offense far too often and that incorporating more play from under center will “take him to another level and unleash his full skill set.” Gannon claims that running more plays from under center will force defenses to have to be ready to defend plays they don’t worry about in shotgun formations, taking pressure off of the offensive line and Murray.
In light of Gannon’s plans for the 25-year-old quarterback under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, it’s clear that Gannon is on the positive end of the polarizing opinions of Murray. It sounds like Cardinals fans should expect Murray to remain the long-term plan at quarterback moving forward under Gannon.
King’s next question asked Gannon to expand on his exit from Philadelphia. It appears that the Eagles’ brass had some idea that Gannon would be a hot commodity and prepared a counteroffer to keep him in place. According to Gannon, the team offered him a new contract that would pay him more than he would make as a head coach.
As much as Gannon claims to have loved Philadelphia, head coach Nick Sirianni, general manager Howie Roseman, and owner Jeffrey Lurie, the prospect of becoming a head coach was too enticing. Gannon credits Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, general manager Monti Ossenfort, and Murray with making the job so alluring, so much so that he was willing to turn down a rich new deal to retain a position in which he knew he could succeed.
He will regret that once he sees that Murray is too stupid to learn the playbook and not the least bit committed to getting better.
Murray played for Lincoln Riley, the qb whisperer. I don’t think smarts is challenge for Murray.
Lol
The eagles defense had the schedule of all
Schedules this year and were exposed a few times and then against the chiefs. Good teams busted up on them. If the defense takes a step back Gannon isn’t a head coaching candidate next year this could be his only chance
The Eagles won 5 of 6 against playoff teams. So, they played and excelled at a tough schedule.
What playoff teams did they beat ? They beat the Vikings, cowboys with cooper rush, the giants three times once they had Davis Webb, they beat the jags early in the season when they were still bad, they lost to the cowboys without hurts, they beat the 49ers who didn’t have a quarterback.
Who did they face this year ? This was the cakewalk of all schedule
Playing in the SB on a hockey rink negated their pass rush and we’re will in position to win that game if not for a questionable call. But it was all about that cakewalk schedule.
They faced who was on the schedule and got to the SB. And they lost the SB due to self-inflicted wounds.
Quit pretending they were lucky. You sound foolish.
The Eagles went 14-3. Gave up 21 points or less in 12 of 18 games and one of those six in which they gave up 21+ was 22 points allowed against NYG in a blowout.
Vikings held them to 7
Jags were still bad they scored 21
Cardinals scored 17 dumpster fire
Cowboys 17 copper rush
Steelers 13 not sure if this was trubisky or Pickett t the Steelers weren’t good.
Texans held to 17
Colts to 16
Titans to 10 the titans were very bad s this point In the season.
Bears scored 20 they are a one man show in fields.
Saints held Dalton to 20
Giants held Davis Webb to 16
Held giants to 7 in playoffs
Held San Fran to 7 with no qb
Dallas or Giants? Obviously you’re just a salty fan of a rival.
I’m actually an eagles fan.
I doubt that, the real Iggles fans would’ve knocked that nonsense out of you long ago.
I don’t really understand your point about the bad teams. Shouldn’t they perform better against bad teams? Beating bad teams is half of what makes good teams good.
My point is the eagles defense is going to regress. Gannon knows it. They had an easy schedule. With free agency
Murray grabbed a chair climbed on it jumped on that table and demanded his very own sippy cup
Gannon was hired because Cheapwell is cheap. God forbid he put a winning team on the field. The entire Arizona fan base should not buy tickets for a year. They also should re-name the team Dollar General or Ben Franklin .5 and .10
Lol …dollar general
I’d find an extended stay outfit maybe over at 27th and Yorkshire (somewhat decent area) and hold off on unpacking Jonathan. Seriously tho..your job is at the whim of a player w issues and lack of ability
Once they signed Murray to the big money deal that pretty much ended the Cardinals playoff potential. All they can afford going forward are some 2nd or 3rd level free agents.
Is it true that when Murray goes under center he has to stand on his tippy toes? Just something I heard. If this guy is excited to come to Arizona to coach Murray he wanted any HC he could get so he took the one nobody wanted.
I am not sure if it is arrogance or iodiocity to make you leave a job they are willing to pay you more to stay just to have the HC initials in front of your name. If this guy was so good sign the new contract and say you will stay a couple more years until a really good job comes along. I learned long ago you never take the low bid on any work bid. You don’t accept the job without knowing pay structure and you want the job that rewards you for the work you do. Sometimes the job you have is better than the one you are going to get. Kyler under center is not going to add anything to the O other teams don’t practice against. You get a guy who’s only job is to spy on Murray and you shut him down most of the time. This will not turn out good for this guy excited to be a HC for the first time.
Did you guys expect to say, that he took the job despite the fact Murray was there? He wanted the job, and when asked about it, he said the right thing. Anything else would’ve created a distractions and controversy.
Is Gannon a personal concussion protocol specialist? If not he’s not what Murray needs? If Murray is the ONLY reason he’s taking this job, my advice is: rent and keep boxes in the garage.
Smart on his part to understand what they wanted to hear during the interview that there is hope for Kyler and the investment in him was not a mistake. Helped him to at least get the job.