Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon is “a high candidate” for the Houston Texans’ anticipated head coach opening, in response to a report from Aaron Wilson.
Wilson notes that Lovie Smith’s job safety is “in severe hazard” because the Texans enter Week 18 with the league’s worst document at 2-13-1.
Gannon beforehand drew curiosity from the Texans (and different groups) final offseason. In truth, there was one level the place Gannon was mentioned to be the front-runner for the job.
After all, that was earlier than Houston’s teaching search sort of went sideways whereas Brian Flores determined to sue the NFL for alleged racial discrimination. To the shock of many, the Texans ended up selling Smith from affiliate head coach and defensive coordinator to switch David Culley.
Trying to lastly discover some stability, it seems the Texans might flip to Gannon. Wilson signifies there may be “mutual curiosity” between him and the franchise. That is smart since Gannon and Texans basic supervisor Nick Caserio appear to have some familiarity. As we identified final 12 months:
Caserio and Gannon are each from Ohio and attended Cleveland-area excessive colleges. It may also be value noting that Caserio comes from the New England Patriots, the place he overlapped with Josh McDaniels for a very long time. And McDaniels introduced Gannon to Indianapolis earlier than he dipped out on the Colts.
After questions on his {qualifications} final 12 months, Gannon has overseen an improved Eagles protection in 2022. Philadelphia’s protection ranks fourth by EPA per play, fifth by DVOA, and seventh by opponent offensive factors per sport. Gannon’s unit ranks tied for the NFL’s second-most takeaways. The Eagles have an opportunity of turning into the workforce to complete with essentially the most sacks ever in a single season.
After all, important enchancment ought to’ve been anticipated since Gannon has been given lots of expertise to work with. The Eagles have two Professional Bowlers and 5 Professional Bowl alternates on their protection … along with the NFL’s interceptions chief, who received snubbed as a result of league’s dumb voting system.
Regardless of the Eagles’ defensive success, there are a selection of followers who won’t be unhappy to see Gannon go away. Understanding and feeling are two various things. It’s one factor to know the protection is de facto good when one appears to be like on the numbers and one other to really feel just like the passive method designed to restrict large performs whereas surrendering yardage beneath is just not at all times aesthetically pleasing. There may be additionally the priority of how Gannon performs towards the league’s high quarterbacks.
Regardless, whether or not you want Gannon or not, it looks like there’s a very good probability he’s a goner after this season. He already drew lots of curiosity final 12 months and he’s solely strengthened his resume.
Relating to probably discovering a brand new defensive coordinator, the sense right here is the Eagles wish to promote defensive passing sport coordinator/defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson. Gannon has beforehand referred to him as his “proper hand man” and the workforce is excessive on Wilson. We famous how Wilson got here off as spectacular and provoking throughout earlier media appearances.
