The Houston Texans may have found a candidate they like.
According to Zac Jackson from The Athletic, the Texans are seeking a second interview with Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon for their coaching vacancy.
Jackson’s report seems to line up with what Aaron Wilson of Sports Talk 790 conveyed in that Gannon impressed the Texans, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos in those respective interviews.
Contrary to what Jackson reported, Gannon is not an alumnus of John Carroll University, general manager Nick Caserio’s alma mater. Aside from whatever John Carroll of New England Patriots connections may be out there, Gannon appears to be impressing the Texans with his nascent leadership qualities Houston believes they can develop.
In his lone year as defensive coordinator, Gannon led the Eagles with 5.2 yards per play surrendered, tied for the seventh-fewest in the league. The Eagles were tied with the Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers for the fifth-fewest takeaways in the NFL with 16. The Texans defense finished tied for 10th with 25.
If Houston goes with Gannon, it will be the second straight season they hired a rookie coach. What Gannon has going for him that David Culley didn’t is youth and also coordinator experience. Nevertheless if the Texans go with Gannon or another rookie coach, there will undoubtedly be bumps along the way. What is also undeniable is Gannon will have a better roster to work with than Culley had.
