Matt LaFleur's decision to hire Jonathan Gannon didn't exactly delight the fanbase, especially those who held out hope for Jim Leonhard.
The Green Bay Packers didn't turn to a rising star like Christian Parker, Daronte Jones, or Aden Durde. Instead, LaFleur went for the experience of Gannon. Not only has he called plays (and successfully), but he also has experience as a head coach. That's exactly what LaFleur wants for his defense.
Appearing on ESPN Wisconsin, former Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga explained why LaFleur made the correct choice to hire Gannon.
"He doesn't want to take that risk. He wants to see like, OK, here's the data. 'He definitely made this work here, and this definitely worked here.' That's kind of what he's looking for," Bulaga said. "I continue to say it. Everyone expects this roster to be a deep playoff push team and a Super Bowl type team. That's what we expect. You have to have a guy that has done that. Gannon's done that."
Jonathan Gannon adds the experience the Packers need in the middle of a Super Bowl window
Bulaga makes a fair point. While Gannon isn't the exciting name, and there are undoubtedly concerns over his ability to lead, he has proven himself as a defensive coordinator. His Philadelphia Eagles dominated in 2022, ranking No. 2 in total yards, No. 1 against the pass, and No. 8 in points. That team made it to the Super Bowl.
His unit recorded an incredible 70 sacks, followed by eight more in the playoffs. And Gannon did it without an all-world pass-rusher, something he will have in Micah Parsons.
Parker built an impressive resume in Philadelphia that just landed him the Dallas Cowboys' DC job. He spent two years on LaFleur's staff in Green Bay. Jones was considered the frontrunner to replace Brian Flores in Minnesota had he taken a head coach job. Durde has helped the Seattle Seahawks' defense dominate, although he doesn't call the plays.
But none of them have led a defense, so there's risk. The Packers are in win-now mode, and LaFleur wants a defensive coordinator who can become the "head coach" of that unit, just as Jeff Hafley was. His decision to go for an experienced coach has merit.
It's why many believed Raheem Morris would've been a frontrunner for the job after he was fired as the Atlanta Falcons head coach, although all signs point toward him sitting out in 2026.
Gannon, understandably, isn't the popular choice. It's an underwhelming hire for many reasons. He will likely deploy a conservative, bend-but-don't-break defense, although that's evidently what LaFleur wants. We shouldn't expect heavy blitzing, and Gannon's previous units have regularly operated in Cover 4.
But LaFleur understood the need to win now, and that required hiring a coordinator with experience and a proven track record. Gannon checks both boxes.