Jaguars Hire Anthony Campanile as New Defensive Coordinator

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars have named Anthony Campanile as their new defensive coordinator, the team announced Thursday. Campanile, a 19-year coaching veteran, joins the Jaguars after a successful 2024 season with the Green Bay Packers, where he served as linebackers coach and defensive run-game coordinator.

Campanile, 42, played a key role in the Packers’ defense, which ranked seventh in the NFL in run defense (99.35 yards per game) and third in yards per attempt allowed (4.0). The Packers also finished sixth in points allowed (19.9) and fifth in total yards allowed (314.5) during the 2024 season, which saw them secure an 11-6 record and a spot in the NFC Wild-Card game.

“Anthony is a brilliant football coach with a proven track record of success,” said Jaguars head coach Liam Coen. “His ability to develop players and his strategic approach to defense make him the perfect fit for our team.”

Campanile’s coaching career spans both the NFL and collegiate levels. Before joining the Packers, he spent four seasons (2020-2023) as the Miami Dolphins‘ linebackers coach. His collegiate experience includes stints at Michigan, Boston College, and Rutgers, where he played as a student-athlete.

“I’m thrilled to join the Jaguars and work with this talented group of players,” Campanile said. “I believe in building a defense that is aggressive, disciplined, and adaptable. We’re going to work hard to make this unit one of the best in the league.”

Campanile’s hiring comes after the Jaguars interviewed several candidates for the position, including Aubrey Pleasant of the Los Angeles Rams, Patrick Graham of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Daronte Jones of the Minnesota Vikings. His deep ties to Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who praised Campanile as a “star” and a “loyal friend,” further highlight his reputation within the league.

During his time with the Packers, Campanile was instrumental in the development of linebacker Quay Walker and rookie Edgerrin Cooper, who emerged as key contributors to the defense. “He’s a coach who never relaxes,” Cooper said of Campanile. “He wants the best for us and pushes us to be better every day.”

Campanile’s coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability and understanding individual player needs. “You don’t coach everybody the exact same way,” he explained in December 2024. “Part of being a coach is understanding different personalities and knowing how to teach each player effectively.”

The Jaguars are hopeful that Campanile’s leadership will help elevate a defense that struggled in key areas during the 2024 season. His hiring marks a new chapter for the team as they aim to build a competitive roster for the 2025 season.