The Chicago Bears search for a new defensive coordinator is officially underway. Rumors have continued about who they may end up going with. In-house options include defensive line coach Jay Rodgers and safeties coach Sean Desai. One popular outside name is James Bettcher who has ties to Todd Bowles, a good friend of head coach Matt Nagy. So the list is there and it appears to be growing as Jonathan Gannon was added to the list.
Most may not be familiar with the name but he’s rising fast in NFL circles. After starting in the league as a scout in St. Louis, he transferred to the coaching ranks in Tennessee in 2012. This eventually led to him getting the assistant defensive backs coaching job with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014. A position he would hold for the next four seasons. That success elevated his profile to become the defensive backs coach in Indianapolis. Now he could take the next step in Chicago according to Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic.
The Bears put in a request to interview Colts DBs coach Jonathan Gannon for defensive coordinator, a source told The Athletic.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 18, 2021
Often the mark of a good coach is a track record of success at multiple stops.
Gannon checks that box. His first year in Minnesota, the Vikings’ pass defense jumped from 31st to 7th. With his help, both cornerback Xavier Rhodes and safety Harrison Smith became All-Pros. The Vikings finished with the #1 defense in the NFL in 2017. This is what led Gannon to get an offer to join the Colts defense running their secondary. The results have been more than encouraging.
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While not always given premier talent to work with, the young coach has made the most of what he has. Both Pierre Desire and Kenny Moore had career highs in interceptions under his tutelage. Rookie safety Julian Blackmon became a contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year this past season.
Jonathan Gannon is certainly in demand too
The Bears aren’t the only team inquiring about his services. Reports are the Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Atlanta Falcons are also looking into him as well. This is usually a sign a guy is in high demand. One thing the Bears do have is connections. Not only do they play in the NFC North, which Gannon knows well from his time in Minnesota, but their head coach also has an in with the Colts staff. Head coach Frank Reich worked with Bears quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo in Philadelphia. It would be a surprise if he put the man in touch with Nagy about Gannon.
He also shares the same agent as Nagy, former Bears defensive end Trace Armstrong.
Is he the best option available? That is impossible to say. Brandon Staley was a huge risk when the Los Angeles Rams hired him to replace Wade Phillips this past year. Then he delivered the #1 defense in the NFL. Now he’s the head coach of the Chargers. There is no telling what will happen until a guy gets an opportunity. Jonathan Gannon has done enough to earn one. It would be fascinating to see what he can do with this veteran Bears defense.
What is one thing to expect if he got the job?
It’s likely Chicago will play a little more aggressive in terms of their coverage. More press and man. A significant departure from Chuck Pagano who seemed to prefer softer zone coverages. What will be interesting is whether the young coach moves closer to more 4-3 schematic concepts rather than the 3-4 the Bears have operated under since 2015. Plenty to sort through.
