
DeMaurice Smith
Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals
Jonathan Gannon brings an infectious energy and a winning mindset to his keynote speeches. As head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Gannon has a proven track record of success, leading one of the NFL’s top defenses and coaching multiple teams to playoff berths. His experience in coaching, his relentless drive, and his focus on high-performance teams make him an inspiring speaker. Gannon’s unique ability to motivate and build strong, unified teams under pressure resonates with audiences looking for leadership strategies, team-building insights, and practical approaches to achieving excellence.
Jonathan Gannon believes that versatility is crucial for both players and coaches to succeed in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of the NFL. Drawing from his experience coaching multiple teams and managing various defensive schemes, Gannon shares how the ability to adapt is essential for facing diverse challenges. In this speech, he explores how versatility fosters growth and development, not just in players but also within coaching staff and team dynamics. Gannon discusses how a flexible approach allows for better problem-solving, innovation, and resilience, particularly in high-pressure situations, where success often depends on the ability to pivot and evolve.
In this speech, Jonathan Gannon emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining a strong reputation, both on and off the field. Drawing from his experience as a defensive coordinator and now as a head coach, Gannon explains how reputation is not just about past success, but about consistently demonstrating integrity, reliability, and a commitment to excellence. He shares insights into how a positive reputation fosters trust within a team, motivates players, and creates a culture of accountability. Gannon also highlights the long-term impact of reputation on relationships with colleagues, fans, and the broader football community, and how it shapes a coach’s ability to lead effectively.
Jonathan Gannon’s leadership has always been rooted in his ability to connect with others on a personal level. In this speech, he delves into how genuine relationships and strong communication skills are critical to building a successful team. Drawing from his diverse coaching journey, Gannon explains how understanding each player’s individual motivations, strengths, and challenges fosters trust and allows them to perform at their highest level. He highlights the value of creating an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued—an environment that ultimately leads to cohesive teamwork and a positive, thriving culture.
Jonathan Gannon’s career has been shaped by his ability to adapt to new challenges while holding himself and his teams accountable. In this speech, he explores how embracing change, whether it’s adapting to different coaching roles or adjusting strategies mid-season, is essential for long-term success. Gannon emphasizes that adaptability is not just about changing tactics, but about being open-minded and willing to learn from both successes and setbacks. Along with adaptability, he stresses the importance of accountability—being responsible not only for your own actions but also for ensuring that everyone on the team is committed to achieving the collective goal. This dual focus on adaptability and accountability builds trust and helps a team consistently perform at its best.
Jonathan Gannon was named Arizona’s head coach in February 2023. He joined the Cardinals after spending two seasons (2021-22) as the defensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles. A Cleveland, Ohio native, Gannon has 15 years of experience in the NFL with the Eagles (2021- 22), Colts (2018-20), Vikings (2014-17), Titans (2012-13), Rams (2009-11) and Falcons (2007). Under Gannon, the Eagles boasted a top-10 defense in his last two seasons with the team, ranking 2nd in total defense in 2022 (301.5ypg) and 10th in the NFL in 2021 (328.8 ypg). Between 2021-22, the Eagles defense led the NFL with 99 sacks, ranked 3rd in total defense (315.1 ypg), 3rd in pass defense (200.4 ypg), 6th in tackles for loss (168), tied for 4th in total return TDs (7) and interception return TDs (4) and tied for 10th in interceptions (29). Gannon has coached with three different NFL teams (Eagles, Colts, Vikings) who have combined for six playoff berths in eight seasons.
The man everyone calls “J.G.” has surrounded himself with believers, and he wants nothing to do with low expectations – “Our sole focus is to win football games,” said Gannon. The energy Gannon gives off is contagious, whether he is entering a press conference or talking to players or running into someone in the hall. Linebacker Kyzir White, who played for Gannon in Philadelphia and is now a Cardinal, said “I’ve never seen him low energy…He’s going to light up a room, he’s going to joke. It’s a great environment to be a part of.”
Before life as an NFL head coach, Gannon attended Saint Ignatius High School in Cleveland where he was an All-State defensive back and a standout athlete in basketball and track & field. As a senior, he helped lead the basketball team to the school’s first state championship and starred in the long jump and 110-meter hurdles, helping lead his high school to their first track & field state championship that same year. Gannon was inducted into the Saint Ignatius Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.
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