The Green Bay Packers didn’t make the splash hire.
They made the intentional one.
On this episode of Cheesehead Radio, the crew digs into Green Bay’s decision to hire Jonathan Gannon as defensive coordinator — a move that landed with all the subtlety of a snowblower on Packers Twitter. After a week of fan wish-casting, nostalgia lists, and Jim Leonhard fever dreams, the Packers went in the opposite direction: experience, familiarity, and a defensive philosophy Matt LaFleur clearly believes in.
CD Angeli, Jersey Al, and Kelly Hodgson walk through why the reaction felt so visceral — and why comparing Gannon to past failures misses the larger point. This isn’t Joe Barry panic hiring. This is a head coach choosing control, continuity, and a system he trusts, even if it means disappointing fans who wanted something louder.
The conversation moves beyond the résumé and into the reality of the roster. With injuries still looming, key defenders returning midseason, and a secondary built far more for zone than man, the question becomes less “Is this exciting?” and more “Is this workable?” The crew breaks down Gannon’s bend-don’t-break tendencies, quarters coverage, and why “fit the scheme to the players” might be the most important phrase uttered all offseason.
From there, the focus widens. Jeff Hafley’s departure to Miami triggers expected staff losses, but Green Bay answers with another experienced hire in Bobby Babich, stacking defensive leadership in a way that suggests this side of the ball may again be asked to carry real weight. Suddenly, the Packers don’t lack ideas — they’re overloaded with them.
On offense, the Stenavich conversation resurfaces. Is he a scapegoat? A victim of optics? Or simply part of a structure where Matt LaFleur will always own the play sheet — for better or worse? The crew examines why fans keep hoping for change where change was never realistically coming.
Hot Pockets bring it home.
Jersey Al cools the Jim Leonhard mythology.
CD points out the shadow Mike Holmgren lives under in the Hall of Fame race.
Kelly delivers a sharp reminder: fans want names, front offices need answers — and those two worlds rarely align.
No shouting.
No fantasy football.
Just an honest look at a team that chose stability in a moment when chaos felt more fun.
Cheesehead Radio.
Unhealthy obsession.
Required honesty.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your Packers fix.
Presented by Ticket King, Cheesehead Radio is back for its 17th season — your go-to Packers podcast for news, fun, and a little bit of frivolity.
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Be sure to join C.D., Al and Kelly on their regular jaunts through the Packers Universe. You can follow them on twitter (X) at @tundravision, @JerseyAlGBP and @ThatPackerGirl.
Cheesehead Radio is a part of the Packers Talk family of podcasts, serving up five distinct podcasts to satisfy the most fervent of Packer fans. Variety is the spice of life, so subscribe to Packers Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Packers Talk on Twitter and Facebook.
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The post When Fans Want Fire, the Packers Choose Control | Cheesehead Radio #384 first appeared on PackersTalk.com Blog Posts and Podcasts.