The Philadelphia Eagles made a last-second attempt to retain defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon before he left to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals last week.
Gannon revealed to Peter King of Football Morning in America that the Eagles offered to given him a higher salary to remain defensive coordinator than he received to become a head coach in Phoenix:
"I loved Philly. I love Mr. Lurie [owner Jeffrey Lurie]. I love Howie Roseman. I love Nick Sirianni. They came back and they were like, here’s a new offer. It’s gonna pay you more than being a head coach. That’s cool and I loved it there but I wanted to be a head coach and I was excited about this because of Mr. Bidwill—Michael, as he would say—[GM] Monti Ossenfort, and Kyler.”
Gannon was one of two coordinators from Sirianni's staff to depart to become a head coach last week, with offensive coordinator Shane Steichen tabbed to be the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.
The Eagles have not yet named a successor to Steichen, but it is widely believed that Brian Johnson -- who has served as the quarterbacks coach the past two seasons -- will be promoted to the position.
Meanwhile, there seems to be a good chance an external hire is made to replace Gannon at defensive coordinator. Former Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph is reportedly a candidate for the position, and the team interviewed Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard for the position, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram