Just 20 days after being dismissed from his head coaching role with the Arizona Cardinals, Jonathan Gannon has officially been named the new defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. The hire, finalized on Sunday, January 25, 2026, represents a reset for both Gannon and the Packers.
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Gannon replaces Jeff Hafley, who recently departed to work for the Miami Dolphins. He will help a unit brimming with All-Pro talent but lacking the consistency that has been around Green Bay for a decade.
Gannon’s past, a key factor
The reason why Packers head coach Matt LaFleur chose Gannon was not entirely based on his playbook but his perspective. Sources close to the team indicate that LaFleur was particularly drawn to the fact that Gannon had sat in the head coach’s chair before.
Despite a difficult 15-36 record in Arizona, the 43-year-old is viewed as a leader who understands the big picture of an NFL organization. LaFleur is betting that Gannon’s experience managing a locker room will translate into a more disciplined, resilient defense in Green Bay. Exactly what they need.
The Green Bay defense has often been criticized for being too passive in crucial moments of the season. Gannon, who made his name with an aggressive mentality in Philadelphia, is expected to bring a more attacking mindset to Lambeau Field.
While some fans were holding out hope for Jim Leonhard, LaFleur’s move to secure Gannon was a reaction to other intense competition. Both Jim and John Harbaugh were reportedly eyeing Gannon for DC vacancies with the Chargers and Giants, but by moving quickly, the Packers ensured a coach they believe can be the final piece of their championship puzzle.
The roster he will find
Gannon is not walking into a rebuilding project, he is taking over a unit that must start winning now. The move is clever though, as the Packers’ defense features some of the most feared names in the league.
First of all they have Micah Parsons, that despite his torn ACL injury, is still one of the most important players in defense. The presence of Xavier McKinney is also vital, as he can provide the veteran quarterback role for the secondary. However, that is not it, as Lukas Van Ness will additionally be a primary focus for Gannon, as he is a known defensive back and secondary specialist.
Now that he arrives in Green Bay, Gannon will have a much deeper arsenal at his disposal
