Could we see Jonathan Gannon making a comeback in the NFC East?
This former defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles was let go by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this year, and rumors are swirling about his potential return to the NFC East. Of course, it won't be with the Eagles, who have already brought in Vic Fangio to lead their defense. Instead, Gannon appears to be eyeing opportunities with rival teams in the division.
Reports suggest that he is interviewing for the role of defensive coordinator with both the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. On the surface, Gannon’s last season with the Eagles looked impressive, as they finished with the third-best defense according to DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). However, it’s important to note that his success was somewhat inflated due to a relatively easy schedule against quarterbacks, and his defense struggled significantly against elite passers, most notably being outmatched by Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LVII.
Initially, Gannon had expressed intentions to remain in Philadelphia after the 2022 season, but he engaged in unauthorized discussions with the Cardinals just before the Eagles' Super Bowl appearance. This breach of protocol surprisingly resulted in the Eagles receiving an advantageous draft pick in the 2023 draft, which you can read more about at Bleeding Green Nation. Unfortunately for the Eagles, this situation also meant they missed out on the chance to hire Fangio, who took a role with the Miami Dolphins before eventually landing in Philadelphia.
Once Gannon settled into his new position with the Cardinals, he made some questionable statements regarding his time in Philadelphia. He managed to secure only 15 wins during his tenure as head coach of the Cardinals, in stark contrast to his 36 losses, and one of those few victories came against the Eagles in 2023.
For the Eagles, Gannon's potential return to the division might serve as an opportunity for some sweet "revenge." While there are certainly other more formidable candidates available for the Cowboys and Commanders to consider, one can hope that Gannon ends up being their choice rather than someone more intimidating.
But here's where it gets controversial: Can Gannon replicate any of the success he had in Philadelphia with a new team, or will his past mistakes follow him? What do you think? Is he a worthy candidate for these defensive coordinator positions, or should the teams look for someone with a stronger track record? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
