Packers’ Hire Boosts Giants’ Defensive Coordinator Search Success
John Harbaugh is in the process of forming his first coaching staff for the New York Giants. He recently took the helm as the team’s 24th head coach. As he seeks to bolster his team’s roster, several notable developments have emerged regarding defensive and offensive coordinator positions.
Packers’ Hire Affects Giants’ Defensive Coordinator Search
The Green Bay Packers have appointed Jonathan Gannon as their new defensive coordinator. Gannon, who was previously the head coach for the Arizona Cardinals and the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, takes over for Jeff Hafley. Hafley left the Packers to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
This hiring shifts the focus back to Jim Leonhard, currently among the leading candidates for the Giants’ defensive coordinator role. Leonhard has served as the assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator with the Denver Broncos. He will have the opportunity to interview for positions after Denver’s upcoming AFC Championship game against the New England Patriots.
Leonhard’s Credentials and the Competition
- Leonhard played college football at the University of Wisconsin.
- He has experience as a 10-year NFL safety and played one season under Harbaugh in 2008.
- Other candidates for the Giants’ defensive coordinator position include Dennard Wilson and Anthony Weaver.
Offensive Coordinator Candidates
On the offensive side, the Giants are exploring options for the coordinator position. Tom Pelissero from NFL Network reported that the team interviewed Robert Prince, who served as the wide receivers coach for the Miami Dolphins.
Background on Robert Prince
- Prince has extensive experience as a wide receivers coach in the NFL.
- Before joining the Dolphins, he worked with the Dallas Cowboys and has also coached for the Houston Texans, Detroit Lions, and Seattle Seahawks.
- His background includes offensive coordinator roles at Boise State and Portland State.
Meanwhile, Todd Monken, who was Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator at the Baltimore Ravens for the past two seasons, is viewed as a leading candidate. However, he is also in the running for the head coach position in Cleveland.
Willie Taggart, who coached running backs in Baltimore, has also interviewed for the offensive coordinator role. Taggart has a personal connection to Harbaugh, having played quarterback for his father at Western Kentucky.
New Defensive Line Coach for Giants
In another development, the Giants have engaged Dennis Johnson as their new defensive line coach. Johnson previously worked under Harbaugh in Baltimore for two seasons and will succeed Andre Patterson, who had been with the Giants since 2022.
Johnson’s Experience
- He served as the defensive line coach at Baylor for four seasons before joining the Ravens.
- Johnson also worked as a defensive assistant at LSU, where he was a former player on the defensive line.
With Johnson’s arrival, the Giants’ defensive line will feature star players like three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, All-Pro edge rusher Brian Burns, and top draft pick Abdul Carter.
