Jonathan Gannon, the former defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, was unexpectedly let go by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this year, and now there are speculations about his possible return to the NFC East. However, it won’t be with the Eagles, who have brought in Vic Fangio to lead their defense.
Instead, reports indicate that Gannon is in the running for the defensive coordinator positions with both the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. During his final season in Philadelphia, Gannon oversaw a defense that ranked third in DVOA, showcasing a strong performance on paper. However, critics point out that this achievement was aided by a favorable schedule against weaker quarterbacks, while the Eagles’ defense struggled against stronger opponents, notably allowing significant yardage to Patrick Mahomes during Super Bowl LVII.
Gannon’s journey took a contentious turn when he initially planned to remain with the Eagles following the 2022 season, but his dealings with the Cardinals prior to the Super Bowl were found to be in violation of NFL rules, resulting in draft pick compensation for the Eagles. This incident ultimately hindered their ability to secure Fangio, who accepted a position with the Miami Dolphins before returning to Philadelphia.
While at the helm of the Cardinals, Gannon’s tenure was marked by disappointing results, including a high loss record, with only 15 wins to show, one of which came against his former team in 2023. The potential for Gannon to take a position in the NFC East has sparked excitement among Eagles fans, who may relish the opportunity to face him and seek “revenge” for the previous season’s loss.
As the Cowboys and Commanders evaluate their options for defensive coordinators, the hiring of Gannon could bring a mix of intrigue and anticipation, given the narratives involved. Meanwhile, the hope remains that both teams could consider more formidable candidates, allowing for an exciting shake-up within the division.