Packers may explore five potential staff additions with Jonathan Gannon now in place as defensive coordinator
The Packers’ defensive staff might see some changes soon.
The Green Bay Packers made their first big coaching staff call of the offseason, hiring former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon to be their defensive coordinator and replace Jeff Hafley. Now, other minor moves may follow.
On Monday, we talked about potential players who could follow Gannon to Green Bay. And now, we discuss some defensive assistants who would help the new DC to implement his system on the Packers.
Nick Rallis, Cardinals defensive coordinator
Rallis is still technically under contract with the Cardinals, but he should be allowed to look for other opportunities without many issues. He was the Eagles’ linebackers coach in 2021 and 2022, and Gannon brought him to the Cardinals as a defensive coordinator. He’s been a creative mind and was the play-caller for Gannon — the results weren’t exactly great, but neither was the personnel. Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan followed Jeff Hafley to Miami as a DC, so the spot is open.
Matt Feeney, Cardinals outside linebackers coach
With the return to a 3-4 base defense, it’s still to be seen whether the Packers will keep only one defensive line coach or return to separate units for interior linemen and edge defenders. If the second option is true, DeMarcus Covington could stay with the interior, and Feeney would be an option to work with the (once again) outside linebackers. He’s been in the NFL since 2022, previously working with defensive backs.
Jeff Howard, Seahawks safeties coach
Howard worked with Gannon when they were lower-level assistants on the Minnesota Vikings. He’s been a passing game coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and a part of a strong defense in Seattle. If the Packers don’t want to retain Derrick Ansley as the PCG, Howard could be an option with more scheme familiarity. That would be a particularly important hire after Packers DBs coach Ryan Downard followed Jeff Hafley to Miami.
Matt Eberflus, former Bears head coach
Eberflus spent a year as the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in 2025 after his Bears stint. He was the Colts’ DC when Gannon was a position coach, so a respected voice could be part of the plan. Eberflus’ recent results aren’t inspiring, but he could serve as some type of senior defensive assistant.
Ronald Booker, Cardinals defensive quality control coach
Booker has been a lower-level defensive assistant for quite some time. In 2025, Booker was selected to serve as the safeties coach for the West team at the Shrine Bowl.
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