Posted February 2, 20232 yr Gannon plans to return as Eagles' defensive coordinator in 2023 Reuben Frank EAGLES INSIDER Jonathan Gannon isn’t going anywhere. That’s the word from Gannon himself following the Eagles’ 31-7 win over the 49ers Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. Gannon, whose defense has allowed just two touchdowns in two postseason games, told Breland Moore of FOX 29 that he’ll be back in the same capacity in 2023. "Philly’s keeping me,” Gannon said. "Good, bad or indifferent, I’m staying here.” This is fantastic news for the Eagles, who had the No. 2-ranked defense in the NFL during the regular season but have taken their play to another level in the postseason, holding the Giants and 49ers to 14 points, 391 yards and 192 passing yards. The Eagles are the first team since 1986 to allow 110 net passing yards in back-to-back postseason games. They held the Giants to 109 and the 49ers to 83. In 1986, the Dolphins held the Browns to 62 and the Patriots to 71. Gannon was a candidate for the Houston Texans’ head coaching job and was rumored to be in the mix for the Broncos job. The Texans are expected to hire 49ers coordinator DeMeco Ryans, and Gannon never did actually interview with the Broncos. After a slow start last year, the Eagles finished the season ranked 10th in the league in points allowed, and they finished second this year. This is the first time since 2001 and 2002 they’ve finished in the top 10 in consecutive seasons. And this is the first time since the 1948 and 1949 NFL Championship Games the Eagles have allowed seven or fewer points in back-to-back playoff games. Gannon is a big believer in generating pressure with his front, which allows him to devote assets to pass defense. The Eagles’ 70 sacks this year were 3rd-most in history, and only 6 ½ of them came from linebackers or defensive backs. The Eagles led the NFL in pass defense for the first time since 1991 and they’ve now held 11 of their 19 opponents to 17 or fewer points. Nick Sirianni has spoken incredibly highly of Gannon for two years and is undoubtedly thrilled that he’s not losing his defensive coordinator. "Coaches from other teams ask me, does Jonathan Gannon get crap here? I'm like, ‘Somehow, yeah, he does,’” Sirianni said after the Giants playoff win. "Like, this guy is incredible. He's going to be a head football coach in the National Football League because of what he does. This guy is a stud. He's a stud.” Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen is expected to have a second interview for the Colts head coaching opening this coming week. https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/eagles/jonathan-gannon-plans-return-eagles-defensive-coordinator-2023
February 2, 20232 yr How are we feeling about this? At best, I think Gannon is seen by many Eagles fans as "he's not good, but not terrible either". When he loses some of the players he has from this season, I just hope he can adjust next year. His overall defensive philosophy is good, but he just seems reluctant or incapable of altering his scheme to best match his players. He seems to need the players to match his scheme, and have those players to play at a high level. Anything less than that, he struggles. If anything, I'm good with getting both coordinators back next season to keep continuity...something to be said for that. As long as they can evolve and adapt.
February 2, 20232 yr Gannon probably lost the Texans job just because we're in the Super Bowl. Someone else (Broncos?) would have scooped up DeMeco Ryans otherwise. 1 hour ago, EaglesAddict said: How are we feeling about this? Any objections to Gannon should have been resolved by the performance in the playoffs. The last two games have featured a hungry defense that makes life a living hell for opposing QBs. Bring him back. Will we lose defensive players this offseason? Guys like winning and they like playing on aggressive defenses that play well together. I could see guys signing short-term deals here just to get another chance at a ring next year.
February 2, 20232 yr 29 minutes ago, EricAllenPick6 said: Gannon probably lost the Texans job just because we're in the Super Bowl. Someone else (Broncos?) would have scooped up DeMeco Ryans otherwise. Any objections to Gannon should have been resolved by the performance in the playoffs. The last two games have featured a hungry defense that makes life a living hell for opposing QBs. Bring him back. Will we lose defensive players this offseason? Guys like winning and they like playing on aggressive defenses that play well together. I could see guys signing short-term deals here just to get another chance at a ring next year. We are definitely losing some defensive players. We'll see how everything shakes out after free agency and the draft as far as "retooling" goes. For me, the playoffs haven't completely resolved the issues he has had. Giants offense? Meh. 49ers with no QB'ing? Meh. If we're being objective, the Eagles' D didn't face too many good QBs this season. The best QBs they faced were Prescott and Rodgers. Prescott had his way with our defense on Xmas eve and Rodgers was lighting us up until he got hurt. Mahomes will, by far, be the best QB they've faced this season. I'm actually not trying to discount their performance in the playoffs so far because they did do what they "should" have done given the circumstances. I'll tell you what, though, if Gannon devices a game plan to limit Mahomes and the Chiefs, I'll be more impressed. I'm not saying I expect they'd shut them down, but moreso no let them have a game where they never punt and/or put up over 30 points. "Limit" in this sense is to keep them under 30, at least make some plays against them, and hope our offense can exchange punch for punch.
February 2, 20232 yr We are keeping him ultimately because he's not been offered a job elsewhere. If he had then he'd be off. And look I'm not saying I hate that but that's how it is.
February 3, 20232 yr 6 hours ago, EaglesAddict said: We are definitely losing some defensive players. We'll see how everything shakes out after free agency and the draft as far as "retooling" goes. For me, the playoffs haven't completely resolved the issues he has had. Giants offense? Meh. 49ers with no QB'ing? Meh. If we're being objective, the Eagles' D didn't face too many good QBs this season. The best QBs they faced were Prescott and Rodgers. Prescott had his way with our defense on Xmas eve and Rodgers was lighting us up until he got hurt. Mahomes will, by far, be the best QB they've faced this season. I'm actually not trying to discount their performance in the playoffs so far because they did do what they "should" have done given the circumstances. I'll tell you what, though, if Gannon devices a game plan to limit Mahomes and the Chiefs, I'll be more impressed. I'm not saying I expect they'd shut them down, but moreso no let them have a game where they never punt and/or put up over 30 points. "Limit" in this sense is to keep them under 30, at least make some plays against them, and hope our offense can exchange punch for punch. All of this, right here. Great post. The Chiefs QB is like 15203651x better than the Giants/49ers QB. So lets see what happens on SB Sunday.
February 3, 20232 yr Funny that the Texans are taking the one that gave up 31 points. Texans gonna Texan.
February 3, 20232 yr 1 hour ago, matchew88 said: Funny that the Texans are taking the one that gave up 31 points. Texans gonna Texan. Not only that, but even going with a defensive guy again to begin with. They'll definitely be drafting a QB, so the logical move would be to hire an offensive minded head coach with a history of developing young QBs. Like, I dunno, Shane Steichen? Glad the Texans were too dumb to make the obvious choice.
February 4, 20232 yr 14 hours ago, nipples said: Not only that, but even going with a defensive guy again to begin with. They'll definitely be drafting a QB, so the logical move would be to hire an offensive minded head coach with a history of developing young QBs. Like, I dunno, Shane Steichen? Glad the Texans were too dumb to make the obvious choice. Its madness really isn't it! I know defense is really important but offense is still more so and its mostly about the QB. If they are going to draft a QB (which they likely will) then you need to give him the coaching and tools to succeed.
February 4, 20232 yr I like most have a love / hate relationship with Gannon, he is sometimes way too passive at times for my liking. That being said, he has come up with with some very good defensive plans in the playoffs so far, hopefully that continues in the Super Bowl.
February 5, 20232 yr I'm good with it. Overall, while his aggressive calls come a little less frequent than I would like, this defense has been quite good. If another year with him makes the defense even better, then I'll be a happy fan.
February 6, 20232 yr Author 4 hours ago, PoconoDon said: I'm good with it. Overall, while his aggressive calls come a little less frequent than I would like, this defense has been quite good. If another year with him makes the defense even better, then I'll be a happy fan. We have quite a few key players on defense (Hargrave, Bradberry, CJGJ, Edwards, Epps, White) that will become free agents come March 15. Will be interesting to see how well the defense plays when most of them are gone. Is the success of the defense on him or the players? We’re about to find out.
February 6, 20232 yr 6 minutes ago, time2rock said: We have quite a few key players on defense (Hargrave, Bradberry, CJGJ, Edwards, Epps, White) that will become free agents come March 15. Will be interesting to see how well the defense plays when most of them are gone. Is the success of the defense on him or the players? We’re about to find out. I expect a resigning or two among that group and a defense heavy draft early. The talent drop off shouldn't be that big. You're right though. We'll see if Gannon can adjust or not.
February 6, 20232 yr 11 hours ago, time2rock said: We have quite a few key players on defense (Hargrave, Bradberry, CJGJ, Edwards, Epps, White) that will become free agents come March 15. Will be interesting to see how well the defense plays when most of them are gone. Is the success of the defense on him or the players? We’re about to find out. I think they will keep CJGJ and Hargrave, and they’ll try to keep Edwards. Bradberry is likely gone. They could keep Epps but I think they’ll be comfortable with Blankenship starting alongside CJGJ so they could let him walk unless he can be kept for super cheap. White is as good as gone with Dean stepping into his spot next year.
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