Jonathan Gannon emerges as a serious contender, bringing a modern defensive mind and head coaching experience to Dallas's crucial coordinator search.
The Dallas Cowboys’ search for their next defensive coordinator continues to take shape, and one name gaining real traction is Jonathan Gannon.
Gannon, who interviewed with the Cowboys earlier this week, brings a modern defensive background and head coaching experience that checks several boxes for Dallas as it looks to reset a defense that struggled with consistency in 2025.
On The Dallas Cowboys Daily Blitz Podcast LIVE, host Timm “IndyCarTim” Hamm broke down why Gannon should be viewed as more than just a courtesy interview.
“Jonathan Gannon isn’t just a name you bring in to fill a slot,” Hamm said. “If he ends up being the defensive coordinator, you’re getting a modern defensive mind who understands how offenses are attacking the league right now.”
Gannon’s resume includes time as defensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, along with nearly a decade coaching defensive backs.
That background matters, especially given the Cowboys’ recent struggles with coverage communication and schematic discipline.
Dallas appears to be prioritizing defensive coaches with strong coverage backgrounds, a trend Hamm believes is intentional.
“It’s not an accident that so many of the names we’ve heard have a defensive backs background,” Hamm explained. “Dallas clearly wants someone who understands coverage structure and how to stop offenses like Shanahan and McVay.”
Gannon’s defenses are known for heavy usage of quarters coverage and post-snap disguise, concepts designed to limit explosive passing plays and force quarterbacks to hold the ball longer.
That approach appeals to a Cowboys organization that believes pass rush success begins with coverage stability.
While Gannon’s scheme is modern and adaptable, it does not come without concerns. His defenses have historically been willing to sacrifice some run defense in order to protect the back end.
Hamm cautioned that this philosophical trade-off may be more dangerous in today’s NFL than it was just a few years ago.
“The league is changing again,” Hamm said. “You’re seeing more heavy personnel, more teams willing to run the ball into light boxes. If you hire Gannon, you have to build the roster for his math — especially up front and at linebacker.”
Statistics from Gannon’s recent defenses show strong results against the pass but more middling performance in stopping the run, particularly on early downs.
That reality means Dallas would need to invest heavily in defensive linemen who can win without blitz help and linebackers capable of handling increased run responsibilities.
Another coach who interviewed with Dallas is Zach Orr, most recently the Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Orr is widely respected for his football intelligence and rapid rise through the coaching ranks, but his limited experience as a play caller raises questions.
“Everybody who talks about Zach Orr will tell you how smart he is,” Hamm said. “But defensive coordinator might be too big of a step right now. That doesn’t mean he’s not valuable - it just means the role matters.”
Orr’s defenses have been strong against the run but vulnerable through the air, often relying on aggressive blitz packages and man coverage. That approach requires elite cornerback play - something Dallas has struggled to maintain consistently.
Hamm suggested Orr could still be a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ staff, even if not as defensive coordinator.
“I’d love to have his mind in the building,” Hamm said. “Whether that’s as a linebackers coach or a senior defensive assistant, he brings real value.”
The Cowboys’ decision-making is also being shaped by a crowded coaching market. With several defensive-minded coaches in demand across the league, waiting too long could cost Dallas its preferred candidates.
“At some point, guys stop exploring and start accepting,” Hamm noted. “Nobody wants to be the last chair when the music stops.”
For Dallas, the defensive coordinator hire will signal more than just a scheme choice. It will reveal how the Cowboys plan to allocate resources, prioritize roster construction, and define their defensive identity heading into 2026.
“This hire tells you what kind of football Dallas wants to play,” Hamm said. “And whatever direction they choose, they have to build the roster to match it.”
As interviews continue and the coaching carousel turns, Jonathan Gannon remains a name to watch - one that could shape the Cowboys’ defense for years to come.