The Green Bay Packers are turning to a familiar NFL name to lead their defense into the next chapter. According to reports, the team is hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon as their new defensive coordinator, stepping in to replace Jeff Hafley, who recently took the head coaching job with the Miami Dolphins.
For Green Bay, this is a pivotal hire. The Packers are a team with postseason aspirations and a roster that’s built to compete now. Bringing in a coach with Gannon’s experience signals a clear intent: stabilize and elevate a defense that has shown flashes, but hasn’t consistently put it all together.
Gannon’s most recent stint was in Arizona, where he spent three seasons as the Cardinals’ head coach. The results, frankly, weren’t great.
Arizona went 15-36 under his watch, and the defense struggled to find its footing. That ultimately led to his dismissal after the 2025 season.
But while the head coaching record doesn’t jump off the page, it’s Gannon’s earlier work that likely caught Green Bay’s attention.
Before taking the reins in Arizona, Gannon made a name for himself as the defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2022, his unit was among the league’s best - second in total yards allowed per game, eighth in scoring defense, and first against the pass. That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, especially in a league where elite defense is increasingly hard to come by.
Now, Gannon inherits a Packers defense that has both talent and uncertainty. There’s no shortage of playmakers, but there are also some big questions heading into the offseason.
Micah Parsons - who’s expected to be a cornerstone of the front seven - may not be ready for the start of the season. That’s a major storyline to watch.
Quay Walker, a key piece in the middle of the defense, is set to hit free agency. And the secondary, particularly at cornerback, remains an area of concern.
In other words, Gannon has his work cut out for him. But he also has a chance to make a real impact. If he can tap into the formula that made his Eagles defense so dominant - aggressive pass rush, disciplined coverage, and smart situational football - there’s no reason Green Bay can’t take a step forward on that side of the ball.
This isn’t a rebuild. This is a team that’s looking to win now. And with Gannon now calling the shots on defense, the Packers are betting that experience and a proven track record - even if it came in a different role - can help them get over the hump.
Time will tell if Gannon can recapture that Philly magic. But in Green Bay, the opportunity is there.