Eagles Rumors: Jonathan Gannon is an “early favorite” to be next head coach of AFC team

When a team sustains as much success as Philadelphia has this season, the coaching staff is bound to get some head coaching looks.

Such was the case last year when Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon received head coaching interest, and it appears he’ll have a list of suitors this offseason as well.

According to multiple reports, Gannon is considered a strong candidate for the Texans’ vacancy.

Based off my conversations with those close in the know, the two top names on #WeAreTexans radar:#FlyEaglesFly DC Jonathan Gannon#OnePride OC Ben Johnson

Eagles OC Shane Steichen and #BroncosCountry DC Ejiro Evero are two other names that’s floated around in conversation.

— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) January 9, 2023

Via NFL reporters Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com:

The Texans and Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon are believed to have mutual interest if the job is open, according to sources.

Several league sources have labeled Gannon as a top candidate for the Texans’ potential opening after he made a strong impression during two interviews last season before the Texans promoted Smith from defensive coordinator after considering former NFL quarterback Josh McCown for the job.

Gannon “knocked it out of the park” and “crushed” his meetings with NFL teams, impressing them with his knowledge, creativity, detailed plans about strategy and staff and his passion for the game, according to league sources.

One member of an NFL search committee said of Gannon: “He knows the answer before you even ask him the question.”

Gannon interviewed with the Texans, Broncos and Vikings last offseason before ultimately returning to Philadelphia. Despite the fans’ grievances with him, Gannon has led Philly’s defense to one of its most productive seasons in team history:

• Passing yards/game allowed: 179.8 (1st)
• Sacks: 70 (1st) — team record
• Takeaways: 27 (tied-3rd)
• Points/game allowed: 20.1 (tied-6th)
• Total yards/game allowed: 301.5 (2nd)

The Texans parted ways with HC Lovie Smith following their 32-31 win over Indianapolis, effectively relinquishing the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft to his buddies in Chicago. While winning that game surely wasn’t the reason why Smith was fired, I find it hysterical that he gave Houston the proverbial middle finger on the way out. Classic stuff.

49ers DC DeMeco Ryans, Lions OC Ben Johnson, and former QB Josh McCown are expected to be candidates as Houston searches for its fourth head coach in as many seasons.

>> Read More: Eagles will play one of these four teams in NFC divisional round

List of NFL teams to have four players with double-digit sacks in a season:#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/ItiChT34wG

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 1, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff | Getty Images