Anthony Campanile may not have taken home the NFL's Assistant Coach of the Year award, but make no mistake-his impact in Jacksonville didn’t go unnoticed. In a season that saw the Jaguars surge to an eight-game win streak, Campanile’s defense was a driving force, and his two first-place votes in the final tally reflect just how much respect he earned across the league.
In his first year as Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator, Campanile didn’t just steady the ship-he turned it into a takeaway machine. His defense was among the league’s best at forcing turnovers, and during that pivotal win streak, the unit allowed fewer than 15 points per game.
That kind of consistency and disruption is no accident. It’s the result of a defensive scheme that was as unpredictable as it was effective.
Campanile brought a dynamic, flexible approach to the Jaguars’ defense. Opposing quarterbacks rarely saw the same look twice.
Whether it was shifting fronts, disguised coverages, or creative blitz packages, Campanile kept offenses guessing-and often guessing wrong. What really stood out was how he tailored his game plans to the strengths of his roster.
Instead of forcing players into rigid roles, he built his system around what they did best. That kind of adaptability is rare, especially for a first-year coordinator.
The league took notice. Campanile was one of just nine assistants to receive a first-place vote for the Assistant Coach of the Year award, tying for seventh overall.
Josh McDaniels, who led the Patriots' offense, ultimately took home the honor with 17 first-place votes, followed by Vance Joseph and Brian Flores. But Campanile’s inclusion in that conversation speaks volumes about the kind of season he had-and the kind of coach he’s becoming.
It’s no surprise, then, that he was on the radar for multiple head coaching opportunities this offseason. Three different teams brought him in for interviews, a clear sign that his stock is rising fast. But for now, he’s staying put in Jacksonville, where he’ll return for the 2026 season.
That’s big news for a Jaguars team looking to build on its recent success. With Campanile back at the helm of the defense, Jacksonville has a chance to take another step forward-and the rest of the league would be wise to keep an eye on what he’s cooking up next.