The Arizona Cardinals’ head coaching search is heating up, and if the latest developments are any indication, they’re leaning toward a defensive-minded leader to take the reins. The team has reportedly requested a second interview with Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile - a move that signals serious interest in the rising coaching talent.
At first glance, Campanile might not be the flashiest name on the coaching carousel. But dig a little deeper, and his résumé tells a compelling story of steady progression and strong mentorship under some of football’s most respected minds.
Let’s break it down.
Campanile’s coaching journey started at the collegiate level, where he served as the linebackers coach under Jim Harbaugh at Michigan in 2019. That year, he helped develop a physical, disciplined unit that embodied Harbaugh’s old-school football ethos.
From there, he made the jump to the NFL, joining Brian Flores’ Miami Dolphins staff in 2020 as the linebackers coach - a role he held through the 2021 season. Flores, known for his aggressive, detail-oriented defensive schemes, gave Campanile a crash course in NFL-level complexity.
When Mike McDaniel took over in 2022, Campanile was one of the few defensive coaches retained, a testament to his value in the building. He stayed on again in 2023 under Vic Fangio, one of the most respected defensive architects in the league. That kind of continuity - especially across multiple regimes - speaks volumes about his adaptability and football IQ.
In 2024, Campanile took on a new challenge in Green Bay, serving as both linebackers coach and run game coordinator under Jeff Hafley. That dual role gave him broader responsibility and a chance to shape the defense’s identity at the point of attack.
Then came the big leap in 2025: defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Not only did he take over the defense, but he was also entrusted with hiring his own staff - a major responsibility that shows how much faith the organization had in his leadership.
And here’s where it gets particularly interesting for the Cardinals.
Despite being a defensive coach by trade, Campanile has worked alongside a wide range of offensive minds - from McDaniel’s creative, motion-heavy attack to Harbaugh’s power-run philosophy. That exposure gives him a unique perspective on how to build a staff that can complement his defensive vision with a modern, effective offense. If Arizona is looking for balance and a coach who can assemble a strong team on both sides of the ball, Campanile checks a lot of boxes.
The Cardinals have already interviewed Campanile once, and bringing him back for a second round suggests he made a strong impression. While nothing is final yet, this latest development makes it clear: Arizona is seriously considering a defensive coach who brings not only schematic chops, but also leadership experience, adaptability, and a growing reputation as a builder.
This hire, if it happens, wouldn’t just be about Xs and Os - it’d be about setting a tone, establishing a culture, and building a foundation for sustainable success. Campanile may not be a household name yet, but the Cardinals clearly see something in him. And if his track record is any indication, they might just be onto something.