Eagles reportedly zero in on Jonathan Gannon for DC vacancy

New Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has reportedly begun to piece together his staff.

According to the Athletic's Michael Lombardi, the Eagles will hire Colts defensive backs coach Jonathan Gannon to be their new defensive coordinator.

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer followed Lombardi's report by adding that Gannon has emerged as the "clear favorite" to land the Eagles' defensive coordinator job, and that the team is working through the final stages of the interview process.

Additionally, a report from NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport stated that the Eagles are interviewing Washington Football Team defensive backs coach Chris Harris for the defensive coordinator position.

Gannon was highly coveted over the past week but opted to reunite with Sirianni in Philadelphia after spending the past three seasons together in Indianapolis.

Not only did the Gannon-led Colts' secondary allow just 241.6 passing yards per game last season, but he was also directly responsible for the rapid ascension of a talented group of defensive backs, which included Rock Ya-Sin, Kenny Moore, Khari Willis, rookie sensation Julian Blackmon. Gannon also sparked the revival of Xavier Rhodes.

The ball-hawking secondary also managed to come away with 15 interceptions, an area the Eagles have struggled mightily.

Gannon brings with him nine years of NFL coaching, which included stints with the Minnesota Vikings (2014-17) and Tennessee Titans (2012-13).

Harris previously worked with Sirianni on the Chargers' coaching staff, where the former served as the team's assistant defensive backs coach (2016-19).

A sixth-round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 2005 NFL Draft, Harris carved out a productive eight-year career. The 2010 All-Pro safety compiled 439 tackles, 16 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, 8.0 fumble recoveries, and 1.0 sack over his career.

After finishing his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2012, Harris joined the coaching ranks in 2013 as the Bears' defensive quality control coach. Following a four-year stint as the Chargers' assistant defensive backs coach, Harris joined Ron Rivera's staff in Washington last season as the team's defensive backs coach. Harris presided over a unit that allowed the second-fewest passing yards last season (191.8).