The search for the Packers new defensive coordinator took less than a week, but we now know who will take Jeff Hafleys position.
After Hafley took the job as the Miami Dolphins head coach, the Packers hired Jonathan Gannon as the new Defensive Coordinator for the Packers.
Gannon, who was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals last year, will take over a defense that has a lot of talent.
Headed by Micah Parsons and safety Xavier McKinney, Gannon will take over a defense that was in the top 10 each of the last 2 years.
Here is what you need to know about the newest Defensive Coordinator of the Packers.
Found by accident
Gannon started his coaching career in a rather unique way at the University of Louisville.
He was a safety at Louisville before a hip injury ended his playing career in 2002.
A freshman at the time, Gannon knew he playing days were over.
But Gannon though didn’t give on football though, as he became a graduate assistant under then head coach Bobby Petrino.
First Coaching job in the NFL
Gannon followed Petrino to the NFL when Petrino got the job as a head coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
He served as Atlanta’s Defensive Quality Assistant.
While his stint with the Falcons only lasted a year Gannon got a chance to learn from the best.
While coaching with the Falcons in 2007, he worked with the likes of Mike Zimmer, Emmitt Thomas, and Joe Whitt Jr.
Super Bowl Experience
Gannon first and only other Defensive Coordinator experience was with the Philadelphia Eagles from 2021-2022.
He spent two years with the Eagles and helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in just his second season.
In 2022, Gannon’s defense ranked top five in the following categories: DVOA, EPA/play, and passing yards against.
His defense also produced 70 sacks, 17 interceptions, and 15 forced fumbles.
Gannon’s success with Philadelphia led to his first head coaching job with The Arizona Cardinals.
Head coaching experience
Gannon became the Arizona Cardinals Head coach in 2023.
His time though in Arizona was pretty rough.
In three years with the Cardinals Gannon had a record of 15-36.
His first season ended up in a 4-13 record, while his second season ended in a modest 8-9 record.
Last year after a 2-0 start, Cardinals drop five straight one score games and lost their final 9 games.
After finishing the season with a 3-14 record, Gannon was fired as the Cardinals head coach.
Conclusion
While Gannon’s time in Arizona was rough and his defense wasn’t statistically great, Gannon has a chance to do something with the Packers defense.
He’ll have some talent on the Packers defensive that he will be able to work with.
Something he didn’t have during his time in Arizona.
Like Hafley, Gannon has a defensive backs background.
While Gannon says he doesn’t have a scheme, it will be interesting to see what he’ll be able to put out on the field come 2026.
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Hau Khuong has been a Packers fan since 1996. He currently works as a video editor in Green Bay and writes for PackersTalk.com and you can follow him on twitter at @HauKhuongSports.
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The post Getting to know Gannon: Meet the Packers new Defensive Coordinator first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.