After Nick Sirianni was announced (by everyone except the Eagles) as the next Philadelphia head coach, all eyes were focused on who his staff would be. One of those positions seems to be filled:
Colts secondary coach Jonathan Gannon has emerged as the clear favorite for the Eagles defensive coordinator job, and it looks like he'll take it. Philly's working through the final stages of the interview process.
Gannon would be a big get. Had multiple coordinator offers.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 23, 2021
Gannon comes to the Eagles after three seasons with Indianapolis. Prior to the Colts, Gannon spent 2014-2017 as the assistant defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings, 2012-2013 as a defensive assistant coach for the Tennessee Titans, 2009-2011 as a scout for the (then) St. Louis Rams, and 2007 as a defensive coach for the Falcons.
One of Gannon’s former players in Indianapolis has chimed in on his departure:
they are getting one of my favorite coaches of all time. man, what a 3yr run we had. 1ove. ? https://t.co/JXT29pRmbq
— Kenny Moore II (@KennyKennyMoe3) January 23, 2021
Before the Eagles
Gannon is revered for his work with cornerbacks. Xavier Rhodes was largely viewed as a top cornerback in the league from 2013-2017, which included a Pro Bowl nod in 2016 and another in 2017 while also being named to the All Pro team. Both years were under Gannon’s tutelage. He fell off the map in 2018 and while he made the Pro Bowl in 2019, he was still viewed as a regressed player.
In 2020, Rhodes signed with the Colts and his reasoning was because of his former Vikings coaches. Gannon on Rhodes:
“In ’16 and ’17, he went to the Pro Bowl,” Gannon said. “In those two years, he was matching the best receiver every game. In ’17, we were just talking about it, he shut out Julio (Jones), he shut out Antonio Brown, he shut out Mike Thomas. When I say shut out, that’s their best player isn’t getting 10 for 110. I think Antonio Brown had like four for 38, and one of ‘em, he wasn’t even on him. When you’re talking about that type of caliber player going to match their best receiver week-in and week-out, that’s tough duty. He rises to that challenge.
Rhodes is a free agent this offseason and Philadelphia desperately needs secondary help.
Gannon is also lauded for his development of Kenny Moore, Rock Ya-Sin, Khari Willis, and Julian Blackmon.
With the rest of the staff yet to be determined, it seems as though the first hire is a shot out of a Gannon… … … sorry
Photo Credit: Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
