Jonathan Gannon is heading back to the NFC North-this time as the new defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. And while his recent stint as head coach in Arizona didn’t exactly light the league on fire, don’t let that cloud the bigger picture. Gannon may not be the rah-rah, chest-thumping type, but when it comes to designing and executing high-level defensive schemes, he’s earned respect across NFL circles.
Let’s be clear: Gannon’s three years with the Cardinals weren’t filled with wins, but that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten how to coach defense. Not everyone is built to be a head coach, and that's okay. What Gannon brings to Green Bay is a sharp defensive mind, a proven track record as a coordinator, and a willingness to adapt his system to fit his players-a trait that’s more valuable than ever in today’s NFL.
Gannon’s Rise Through the Ranks
Gannon’s coaching journey has been a steady climb. He worked with defensive backs in Minnesota from 2014 to 2017, then took over as the Colts’ cornerbacks coach for three seasons.
When Nick Sirianni got the head job in Philadelphia, Gannon followed him and took over as defensive coordinator. That move proved pivotal for both Gannon and the Eagles.
Now, some might point out that Gannon inherited a talented unit in Philly, originally built under Jim Schwartz. But NFL rosters turn over quickly.
By the time Gannon took the reins in 2021, that 2018 Super Bowl-winning defense had already seen significant changes. Gannon didn’t just maintain the standard-he elevated it.
In 2021 and 2022, the Eagles finished top 10 in total defense both seasons. The 2022 squad, in particular, was dominant.
They racked up 70 sacks-third-most in NFL history-and ranked eighth in both yards and points allowed. That defense helped carry the Eagles to the Super Bowl, where they ultimately fell in a shootout to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
What Gannon Brings to Green Bay
So what can the Bears-and the rest of the NFC North-expect from a Gannon-led Packers defense?
For starters, Gannon leans heavily on zone concepts, particularly Cover 4 (Quarters). He’s big on pre-snap disguises and communication in the secondary to confuse quarterbacks and bait mistakes.
That’s a shift from what the Packers had under Jeff Hafley, who preferred more man coverage but was forced into zone-heavy looks due to personnel limitations. Under Hafley, Green Bay often leaned on Cover 1 and Cover 3-similar to what Schwartz ran in Philly before Gannon took over.
Gannon’s scheme is more fluid. He’s not married to one look, and he’s shown the ability to tailor his approach to fit the roster. That flexibility could be exactly what the Packers need as they try to reshape their defense.
How This Impacts the Bears
From a Chicago Bears perspective, this hire doesn’t exactly strike fear into the heart of Halas Hall. Ben Johnson, the Bears’ head coach, has already proven he can scheme effectively against zone-heavy defenses.
In fact, the closest comparison to what Gannon runs might be Vic Fangio’s system in Philadelphia-another Quarters-based approach with some man coverage sprinkled in. The Bears saw that look in 2025 and handled it well.
That’s not to say Gannon won’t make the Packers better. He’s a smart hire, and if Green Bay gives him time to get the right personnel in place-just like the Eagles did during their transition from Schwartz to Gannon-he could build something formidable. But that’s a process, not an overnight transformation.
A Familiar Philosophy
There’s also a bit of irony Bears fans might enjoy: Gannon has incorporated elements of the HITS principles he picked up under Matt Nagy during his time in Indianapolis. Yes, those HITS principles.
He brought them with him to Philadelphia, and they’ll likely find their way into the Packers’ locker room too. It’s a small but amusing footnote for Chicago fans who remember that era all too well.
Bottom Line
Jonathan Gannon may not be the most charismatic coach in the league, but he knows how to build and run a defense. His arrival in Green Bay signals a shift in philosophy-one that could pay off if the Packers are patient.
For the Bears, it’s another wrinkle to prepare for in an already competitive NFC North. But with Ben Johnson calling the shots in Chicago, there’s no reason for panic.
The chess match just got a little more interesting.