Micah Parsons shares exciting perspective on Jonathan Gannon and what it means for Packers defense in 2026 and beyond
The star edge defender is coming off an ACL injury and will go through a coaching change on the defensive side of the ball. But he’s excited about what’s ahead.
Micah Parsons immediately had a strong connection with Jeff Hafley, but that partnership only lasted one season. With Hafley gone to take over as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach, the Green Bay Packers hired former Arizona Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon as their next defensive coordinator.
Micah Parsons is ready to work with Jonathan Gannon
Despite the undesired changes, Parsons is excited about what’s ahead. The star edge rusher contacted several fellow players who have already performed under Gannon, and the reviews are all positive.
“I’m extremely excited about what JG is going to bring to the team,” Parsons told The Action Network. “I talked to a lot of his former players. They all have pretty raven reviews about him. I’m just excited to work with another DC and hopefully go to the championship.”
Curiously enough, Parsons and Gannon were divisional rivals for some time in the NFC East. In the same offseason, 2021, the Dallas Cowboys drafted the star edge defender and the Philadelphia Eagles hired Gannon as their defensive coordinator.
After two successful years in Philly, which included a Super Bowl appearance, Jonathan Gannon left the team to take over as the Cardinals’ head coach. His tenure in Arizona wasn’t as successful, but that was much more related to situation and personnel than defensive schemes.
The Packers are ready to capitalize on that difference, and that’s why head coach Matt LaFleur chose Gannon over other candidates.
New staff, more production
For Micah Parsons, playing in a varied scheme is intriguing — and his ability to rush the pass from anywhere along the defensive front is a major factor to make Gannon’s defensive principles even more effective.
The defensive coaching staff went through some changes this offseason in addition to the DC position, but Parsons’ position coach will be the same. DeMarcus Covington, who was the defensive line coach and run-game coordinator, will now be the outside linebackers coach/run-game coordinator/assistant head coach. His attributions may change a little bit, but the increased focus on the edge rushers should help highlight what Parsons does best.