The Packers are ramping up their search for a new defensive coordinator, and one of the more intriguing names on their interview list this week is Jonathan Gannon - the former Cardinals head coach who’s back on the market after being let go this offseason.
Gannon, 42, brings a deep NFL resume that stretches nearly two decades, with a background that includes everything from defensive quality control to head coaching duties. His most recent stop was in Arizona, where he spent the last three seasons leading the Cardinals. While his overall record as head coach (15-36) doesn’t jump off the page, it’s worth noting that Arizona’s defense often outperformed expectations under his watch - at least until things unraveled this past season.
The Packers are casting a wide net in this search after Jeff Hafley, their initial target, accepted the defensive coordinator job with the Miami Dolphins. So far, Green Bay has lined up interviews with Vikings pass game coordinator and DBs coach Daronte Jones, as well as Christian Parker, who currently holds the same dual role with the Eagles.
Gannon’s name adds another layer of experience to the mix - and he’s not just on Green Bay’s radar. He’s also interviewed for DC jobs with the Cowboys, Titans, and Commanders.
If there’s one thing Gannon brings to the table, it’s versatility. He got his NFL start back in 2007 as a defensive quality control coach with the Falcons, then took a detour into scouting with the Rams before returning to the sidelines.
His coaching path includes stops with the Titans, Vikings, and Colts, where he served as defensive backs coach. In 2021, he took over as defensive coordinator for the Eagles, helping to shape a physical, opportunistic unit that played a key role in Philadelphia’s deep playoff run that season.
That success helped launch him into the head coaching ranks with the Cardinals in 2023. While his tenure in Arizona didn’t yield playoff appearances, Gannon was tasked with rebuilding a roster that was in transition - and at times, his defense managed to punch above its weight.
Now, he’s back in the coordinator conversation - and with his mix of experience, schematic flexibility, and leadership chops, he’s likely to remain a serious candidate for teams looking to stabilize or elevate their defensive identity. For the Packers, who are looking to take the next step in a competitive NFC North, Gannon could be a compelling fit depending on the direction they want to go schematically.
This week’s interview could be a key step in determining whether Green Bay sees Gannon as the right voice to lead their defense into 2026 and beyond.