Jonathan Gannon is setting new expectations for the Arizona Cardinals.
Entering his first season as the Cardinals’ head coach, Gannon has attempted to change the team’s culture following its disappointing 2022-23 season.
“I don’t know about what went on in the past, but I know the standards we’ve laid out for the entire team, they’re doing a really good job of trying to improve and get better with that on a daily basis,” Gannon said at training camp, according to the Arizona Republic. “So, overall, very, very pleased with where we’re at with that … Culture is how you behave on a daily basis. You’re either behaving in a winning way or not.”
The Cardinals finished 4-13 last season under Kliff Kingsbury, who was fired after four seasons. The team was clouded by off-the-field issues, leading to a full house cleaning in the front office and the subsequent hiring of general manager Monti Ossenfort.
Gannon is intent on turning a new page.
“It’s been a culture shock,” said left tackle D.J. Humphries, per the outlet. “It ain’t even been no gradual shift. It’s shock. It’s ‘Get ready or get going.’ ”
Gannon has reportedly preached accountability, which quarterback Kyler Murray has notably been criticized for lacking, as well as punctuality.
“You can’t be 30 seconds late to a meeting. You can’t be five minutes late to a meeting,” linebacker Zaven Collins said. “You need to be better at taking care of your stuff without being guided. We’re grown men doing this thing. It’s small things like that. Even if it’s the small things, you can’t get away from it.
“So, it’s the culture and everyone’s held accountable. They have to be because if they’re held accountable in the locker room, they’re going to be held accountable on the field.”
Gannon served as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator for the last two seasons before being hired by the Cardinals.
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