The Packers are making a bold move on the defensive side of the ball, hiring former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their new defensive coordinator. It’s a significant hire that signals Green Bay is looking for a fresh voice-and perhaps a more aggressive identity-on defense.
There had been buzz around Jim Leonhard, the Broncos’ secondary coach with deep Wisconsin roots, as a potential fit. Mutual interest was reported, and on paper, it made sense.
But according to reports, the Packers didn’t want to wait and risk losing out on their top choice. Instead, they moved quickly to land Gannon, who was one of the more recognizable names available for the role.
Gannon, 42, brings a varied and well-traveled résumé to Green Bay. He broke into the NFL coaching ranks back in 2007 as a defensive quality control coach with the Falcons. After a brief detour into scouting with the Rams from 2009 to 2011, he returned to the sidelines, building experience with the Titans and Vikings before settling in as the Colts’ defensive backs coach in 2018.
That stint in Indianapolis helped elevate his profile, and by 2021, he was running the Eagles’ defense. His two seasons in Philadelphia saw flashes of potential, enough to earn him a shot as the Cardinals’ head coach in 2023.
But Gannon’s head coaching tenure in Arizona didn’t go as hoped. Over three seasons, he posted a 15-36 record without a playoff appearance. The Cardinals parted ways with him after the 2025 season, ending a run that never quite found its footing.
Now, Gannon gets a chance to reset in Green Bay, stepping back into a coordinator role where he’s had past success. And for the Packers, this hire is about more than just experience-it’s about vision.
Gannon has worked in a variety of systems, coached under different philosophies, and seen the game from both the sideline and the front office. That kind of perspective could prove valuable as the Packers look to elevate a defense that has struggled to consistently match the standard set by their offense.
It’s also worth noting that Gannon’s defensive background leans heavily on secondary play, an area where Green Bay has invested significant draft capital in recent years. If he can unlock the full potential of that unit, it could be a game-changer for a team with postseason aspirations.
The move comes with risk-Gannon’s recent track record as a head coach is what it is. But in the right role, with the right personnel, he’s shown he can get results. The Packers are betting that a return to coordinating is exactly what Gannon needs-and what their defense needs, too.