The Philadelphia Eagles are headed to the Super Bowl after a dominant win over a limping San Francisco 49ers team. As if there weren’t enough surprises for one night, Jonathan Gannon decided to drop a bombshell during a postgame interview with FOX 29.
The Eagles defensive coordinator responded to rumors about a potential external promotion to a Head Coaching position by saying ‘Philly’s keeping me, good, bad or indifferent.’ That is one hell of a statement to make and one that will rally the entire city around him.
This also comes just days after Nick Sirianni went to bat for his colleague, stating he will be a Head Coach someday.
Jonathan Gannon’s rise in Philly
Jonathan Gannon hasn’t exactly had a smooth sailing relationship with Eagles fans since joining as defensive coordinator last year. Despite the impressive stats, his scheme has often been criticized for giving up huge chunk plays in key situations and struggling against strong quarterbacks. However, this season has shown that with an influx of new talented players who fit his system can make a world of difference.
The Eagles became the first team in NFL history to have four players with double digit sacks in the same season. They also led the entire league in sacks, breaking their own franchise record in the process. The Birds also ranked 1st in the NFL in opposing yards per game, and 5th in interceptions forced.
If Jonathan Gannon keeps his word, it not only shows just how important culture is to this City, but it would provide this team with some much-needed stability after a volatile five-year stretch that has seen them go from World Champions to a complete implosion, to another Super Bowl appearance.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
