Cardinals Banking on Youth Movement Within Coaching Staff
The Arizona Cardinals took 36 days to officially hire a head coach in former Philadelphia Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon. The Cardinals were the fifth and final team to land a head coach this cycle, and many questioned why it took Arizona so long to conclude the process.
Gannon was introduced on Thursday. By Sunday morning, the Cardinals found faces for both offensive and defensive coordinators - though some are skeptical on both the youth and inexperience all around.
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon (40-years-old)
- Started NFL journey as a defensive quality control coach for the Atlanta Falcons in 2007
- Began coaching defensive backs for the Minnesota Vikings in 2014
- Two seasons as a defensive coordinator with Philadelphia before accepting the job in Arizona
Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis (29-years-old)
- Began career in the league with the Minnesota Vikings as their defensive quality control coach in 2018 before taking on an assistant linebackers role too in 2020
- Moved to Philadelphia to coach linebackers under Gannon in 2021
-Now is youngest coordinator in the league
Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing (35-years-old)
- Began NFL career as Cleveland Browns operation intern in 2013
-The following season, he moved to Minnesota and occupied roles such as offensive assistant while coaching quarterbacks and wide receivers through 2019
-In 2020, he moved to Cleveland and coached tight ends for two years before overseeing quarterback duties
-Has no prior OC/play-calling experience
For such prominent positions, the Cardinals have relatively young faces at each spot.
There's hope that Arizona can reenergize a 4-13 team with bright and innovative ideas with the three men in place, yet some will worry that inexperience (especially during a rebuild) could come back to haunt the Cardinals.
The belief is Gannon will still have a heavy hand in the defense despite Rallis having the official coordinator label, though the jury will still be out on Petzing until we see what his offense looks like.
Time will tell if Arizona can turn the tide with new faces in the fold, yet many fans will be skeptical until it actually happens.
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