The Green Bay Packers' search for a new defensive coordinator is beginning to pick up pace. Matt LaFleur has reportedly scheduled interviews with multiple candidates, including a "rising star" in Christian Parker, who is the pass-game coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Another candidate with an Eagles connection has emerged: Jonathan Gannon.
According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the Packers plan to interview Gannon, a former Eagles defensive coordinator who spent the past three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals' head coach. Unsurprisingly, it has split opinion in the fanbase.
Jonathan Gannon would be a polarizing move for the Packers at defensive coordinator
Unlike some of the other candidates, Gannon has experience as a defensive play-caller in the NFL. He held that role in Philadelphia for two seasons, with mixed results.
According to RBSDM, the Eagles ranked No. 8 in defensive EPA/play but No. 19 in success rate across those two seasons. In 2021, Philadelphia ranked No. 10 in total defense and No. 18 in scoring defense. A year later, his defense ranked No. 2 overall and No. 8 in scoring, helping the Eagles reach the Super Bowl.
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His Cardinals defenses didn't fare as well, but interestingly, he didn't call plays as the head coach in Arizona. The team also had far less defensive talent than he enjoyed in Philadelphia, making it hard to determine just how much of the blame falls on him.
Gannon went 15-36 as a head coach, but that doesn't mean he can't succeed as a defensive coordinator. It's a completely different job.
However, since leaving Philadelphia, the defense has hit new heights under Vic Fangio, and Gannon's unit didn't exactly thrive in Arizona. That's what would make it a risky hire. A counterargument is that he has previously been successful as a defensive coordinator and offers experience. LaFleur would also be replacing Jeff Hafley with another former head coach who can take ownership of the defense.
It's fair to imagine the decision not going down too well with Packers fans if Gannon is the choice. The report of LaFleur's interest in the former Cardinals coach has already divided opinion.
Despite his experience and decent track record, there are too many concerns.
Parker is less experienced but offers huge upside. Other potential candidates, including Raheem Morris, Jim Leonhard, and, if available, Brian Flores, would likely be better targets for the Packers.