The Green Bay Packers have made their call, and it's a bold one: Jonathan Gannon is headed to Titletown as the team’s next defensive coordinator. And as you’d expect, Packers Nation has some feelings about it-ranging from cautious optimism to outright frustration.
Let’s unpack the move and why it’s stirring up such a strong reaction.
Gannon’s Track Record: A Mixed Bag
On paper, Gannon brings a résumé with clear highs and some undeniable lows. As defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 and 2022, he helped engineer one of the league’s most aggressive and effective pass rushes.
That Eagles front was relentless, and Gannon’s scheme gave edge rushers the green light to attack. The result?
A defense that could take over games and tilt the field in Philly’s favor.
But it’s his most recent stint as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals that has fans raising eyebrows. Gannon went 15-36 over three seasons in the desert before being let go at the end of this year. That record is hard to ignore, and it’s easy to see why some Packers fans are wondering if this is the right guy to lead a young, evolving defense.
The Leonhard Factor
Then there’s the name that’s been on plenty of Wisconsin lips: Jim Leonhard.
A Ladysmith native and a Badgers legend, Leonhard seemed like a natural fit. He’s got deep ties to the state, a strong reputation as a defensive mind, and is currently serving as the defensive pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos-who, by the way, were still playing in the AFC Championship Game on Jan. 25.
To many fans, Leonhard represented not just a homegrown option, but a high-upside one. His time as defensive coordinator and interim head coach at Wisconsin showcased his ability to build tough, disciplined units. The fact that the Packers didn’t wait for the Broncos’ playoff run to end before making their hire left a lot of people scratching their heads.
Fan Reaction: Split Down the Middle
As with most high-profile coaching hires, the reaction has been swift and divided. Some fans are quick to point to Gannon’s success with the Eagles as a sign that he can revamp a Packers defense that’s been inconsistent in recent years. They see a coach who knows how to scheme pressure, who understands how to maximize talent up front, and who might benefit from stepping back into a coordinator role after a rough go as a head coach.
Others, though, are stuck on the Cardinals record-and the missed opportunity with Leonhard. There’s a sense of frustration among fans who were hoping to see a familiar face return to Wisconsin and bring a bit of Badgers toughness to Lambeau Field.
What’s Next
For Gannon, this is a chance at redemption-and a big one. The Packers have a young, hungry defense with pieces to build around.
If he can tap into the same play-calling magic he showed in Philadelphia, this could be a sneaky-good hire. But if the defense falters early, the calls for Leonhard will only grow louder.
One thing’s for sure: Green Bay isn’t afraid to make bold moves. Now it’s on Gannon to prove this one was the right call.