After another tough season in the desert, the Arizona Cardinals are back in familiar territory - searching for a new head coach. Jonathan Gannon, a defensive-minded hire who was brought in to stabilize the team and build a tough, disciplined defense, wasn’t able to turn things around. Now, the Cardinals are once again looking to reset, and early signs suggest they may stick with a defensive identity.
Two names have emerged as serious contenders: Raheem Morris and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. And according to Jeremy Fowler, Campanile is firmly in the mix following his in-person interview with the team this week.
Let’s take a closer look at Campanile, who’s quietly become one of the most respected defensive minds in the game. His work in Jacksonville this past season speaks volumes. The Jaguars finished 11th in total yards allowed per game (303.6), first in rush defense (just 85.6 yards per game), and 8th in points allowed - a trifecta that puts Campanile in elite company among defensive coordinators in 2025.
That kind of production doesn’t happen by accident. Campanile’s defensive units played with discipline and physicality, especially up front.
The Jags were relentless against the run, consistently winning at the line of scrimmage and forcing opponents into long third downs. That aggressiveness - paired with sound fundamentals - is exactly what the Cardinals have been missing.
Campanile’s journey to this point has been a steady climb. He started coaching defense back in 2006, spending years in the college ranks before making the leap to the NFL in 2020 with the Miami Dolphins as a linebackers coach.
From there, he moved to Green Bay, where he served as linebackers coach and run game coordinator - roles that showcased his ability to develop talent and scheme effectively against opposing offenses. His promotion to defensive coordinator in Jacksonville last season marked a turning point, and he made the most of it.
While Campanile has never been a head coach, he’s earned praise for his leadership and preparation. He worked under Liam Coen - one of the NFL’s rising young head coaches - and showed he could hold his own in a high-pressure environment. If the Cardinals do go with Campanile, it would mirror their previous approach with Gannon: targeting a first-time head coach with a strong defensive background and a reputation for connecting with players.
Still, don’t expect this coaching search to be flashy. According to the latest buzz, the Cardinals aren’t chasing big names or headline-grabbing hires. Instead, they’re focused on finding the right fit - someone who can build a culture, develop young talent, and bring some much-needed stability to a franchise that’s been spinning its wheels for years.
Campanile might not be a household name - yet - but if Arizona wants a coach who can bring structure and toughness to a team that desperately needs both, he’s a name worth watching.