Packers Fans Wary of Gannon Hire - But Could Jim Schwartz Be a Future Option?
Jonathan Gannon hasn’t coached a single snap for the Green Bay Packers yet, but the skepticism around his hire as defensive coordinator is already palpable. It’s not hard to see why.
Yes, he oversaw a top-tier pass rush during his time with the Eagles, but that Super Bowl performance - where his defense was carved up - left a lasting impression. Add in a rocky head coaching stint with the Cardinals, and it’s fair to say Gannon arrives in Green Bay with more questions than answers.
He’s stepping into big shoes, too. Jeff Hafley, who recently left the role, set a high bar with his aggressive, disciplined approach. Gannon doesn’t have the benefit of goodwill right now, and that’s a tough position to be in - especially in a city where defensive tradition runs deep.
But while Gannon is still getting settled, a new wrinkle has emerged that could shape the Packers' future plans. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jim Schwartz - one of the league’s most respected defensive minds - is stepping away from his role as the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator.
The Browns reportedly made a push to keep him, but Schwartz declined. For now, he’s expected to take a year off.
That doesn’t mean he’ll be out of the league for long - and it certainly doesn’t mean teams like the Packers shouldn’t be paying attention.
Schwartz’s Exit Opens the Door - Eventually
Schwartz still had two years remaining on his deal in Cleveland, but sources indicate he wasn’t on board with the Browns’ decision to hire Todd Monken as head coach. That tension reportedly played a role in his departure. Now, he’s on the outside looking in - but not forgotten.
If Gannon struggles to find his footing in Green Bay, Schwartz could be a name to watch heading into 2027. The Packers could take a page from the Jets’ playbook, who brought in a veteran voice as a senior advisor after moving on from their head coach. Schwartz would fit that mold perfectly - a proven leader with a Super Bowl ring and a track record of elevating elite talent.
Just look at what he did in Cleveland. Under his watch, the Browns became one of the most dominant defensive units in the league, particularly at home, where they were nearly impossible to move the ball against.
He helped unlock another level in Myles Garrett’s game - and the idea of him working with a player like Micah Parsons? That’s the kind of pairing that could change the trajectory of a defense.
Gannon’s Chance - But a Short Leash?
To be clear, the Packers aren’t backing away from Gannon just yet. He’s got the job, and he brings experience that’s hard to ignore.
He’s been a head coach. He’s been to a Super Bowl.
He knows what it takes to build a fast, aggressive defense. But in today’s NFL, patience is short - especially on teams with playoff aspirations.
If Gannon doesn’t deliver early, the Packers can’t afford to wait around. Winning organizations make proactive decisions.
They don’t sit idle when something isn’t clicking. And if a proven defensive architect like Schwartz is sitting at home, waiting for the right opportunity?
That’s a phone call you make.
For now, Green Bay’s focus is on getting Gannon up to speed and hoping he can bring the kind of edge this defense needs. But if things go sideways, the Packers may already have their contingency plan - and his resume speaks for itself.