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The Jaguars (4-13) ranked 31st in yards allowed
(389.9 a game) and 28th in points (25.6 a game) in 2024 under
first-year defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. Nielsen was fired
along with coach Doug Pederson, offensive coordinator Press
Taylor and most of Pederson's staff.
Jacksonville hired former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Liam
Coen to replace Pederson last week, and Coen tabbed Campanile as
one of his first hires. Many would argue it's his most important
one considering how poorly Jacksonville's defense has played in
recent years.
“Anthony Campanile represents exactly what we want to be as a
defensive unit and football team,” Coen said. “He brings an
aggressive defensive mindset and a system that is adaptable to
our players and allows them to play fast and physical.”
The Jaguars have ranked 20th or worse in total defense every
year since 2018. They finished 24th, 22nd and 31st in three
years under Pederson. And the unit came up short repeatedly in
close games in 2024, finishing with a 3-10 record in one-score
games.
It will be up to Campanile to get it right. Many believe he
inherits enough talent for a quick flip, highlighted by
linebacker Foye Oluokun, cornerback Tyson Campbell and defensive
ends Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker. The Jaguars also have
the fifth overall pick in the NFL draft and more than $30
million in salary-cap space.
Campanile is entering his sixth NFL season and first as a
defensive coordinator. He served as Green Bay's linebackers
coach/run game coordinator in 2024. The Packers allowed the
seventh-fewest rushing yards a game (99.4) under Campanile.
Prior to joining the Packers, Campanile spent four seasons
(2020-23) as Miami's linebackers coach. He also worked at the
college level for Michigan (2019), Boston College (2016-18) and
Rutgers (2012-15).
Jacksonville also interviewed former Las Vegas defensive
coordinator Patrick Graham, Los Angeles Rams assistant Aubrey
Pleasant and Minnesota assistant Daronte Jones for the job.
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