5 Takeaways From Green Bay Packers New DC Jonathan Gannon

Green Bay Packers new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon addressed the state media on Monday.

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Jonathan Gannon was hired to be the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator 91 days ago.

In the time since, it’s been … crickets.

No discussion of Gannon’s failed three years as Arizona’s head coach, a stretch where the Cardinals went 15-36. No talk about Gannon’s heated sideline altercation with running back Emari Demercado in 2025, a clash that led to Gannon being fined $100,000 by the Cardinals.

No recapping Gannon’s successful tenure as Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator in 2021-’22, one in which the Eagles reached the Super Bowl during his final season. And most importantly, no dialogue regarding Gannon’s vision of what Green Bay’s defense will look like in 2026.

Until Monday that is.

Thirteen weeks after officially replacing Jeff Hafley as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator, the 43-year-old Gannon finally met the state media. Here were the five biggest takeaways.

Gannon’s defense will be?

Gannon wouldn't say what he his base defense will be, although it’s believed he’ll primarily run a 3-4.

Instead he had this to say.

“I’m really big into play style, as (coach) Matt (LaFleur) is,” he said. “The game is about the ball. You’ve got to find ways to take it away.

“I don’t really get caught up in 4-3, 3-4. We’re an NFL-style defense hopefully, right? I just believe that … you’ve got to continually every year try to adapt and solve problems. There are some principles, there are some things I like to do, but it’s only if our players can do it.”

Impressed by talent

Green Bay finished 12th in total defense last season — 11th in passing defense and 18th against the run. The Packers also tied for 28th in the league with just seven interceptions.

While those numbers are mediocre, Gannon said he was impressed with the Packers’ personnel.

“They got a lot of talent,” Gannon said. “They've done a really good job in my opinion of acquiring talent. Good players.

“It's a good mix of some younger players, we got some vets that are some really good players. That sweet spot. We should have a chance.”

Size matters

The Packers have a bevy of larger defensive linemen, including Javon Hargrave, Devonte Wyatt, Chris McClellan, Karl Brooks, Warren Brinson, Naz Stackhouse, Jordon Riley and Jonathan Ford. Look for several packages where Gannon gets as many big bodies on the field as possible.

“I do think it’s a big man’s game,” Gannon said. “Especially late in the year, I think that that matters, so you have to have enough size if a team wants to get big and try to pound you a little bit, you can’t be smaller than them all the time. I think ultimately, it’s our job to take the players that we have, put them in the right positions as much as we can, and let them go play fast and violent.”

Coaching with LaFleur was appealing

Gannon said he was impressed with LaFleur when he came to Green Bay for his interview. Ultimately, that played a huge role in his coming to Green Bay.

“I think Matt’s a savant so he can go from topic to topic to topic and you’ve got to be pretty wired up or you’ll fall behind pretty quick,” Gannon said. “It was intense. I was sweating. I was in a coat and tie and I think I was sweating a little bit. It was fun. It was fun. I got home off the plan and I told my wife, Gina, this is where I want to go. This is where I want to go.”

Reunited — and it feels so good

Gannon has a history with both linebacker Zaire Franklin and defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, two veterans Green Bay acquired this offseason.

Gannon was Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator in 2021-’22, and Hargrave had 18.5 sacks and 123 tackles those two seasons.

He’s a good player. That was a good defense with a lot of good players, and he was a part of that defense. When we had the ability to acquire him or the chance to acquire him, team-first guy, loves football, smart, and he works his butt off and he’s tough as nails. So, anybody that kind of checks those boxes, you want to acquire them if you can. He checked all those boxes. I’m excited to get back with him.

Gannon was also the defensive backs coach in Indianapolis when the Colts drafted Franklin in 2018.

“They asked me about Zaire,” Gannon said. “Team first guy, tough as nails, very smart. Obviously has had a very productive career. I’m excited to really have him.”

This article was originally published on Forbes.com