The Arizona Cardinals are zeroing in on their head coaching search, and one name is starting to rise above the rest: Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. According to reports, the Cardinals are flying Campanile in for a second, in-person interview on Thursday - making him the first known finalist for the job.
This marks the first time Campanile has been publicly linked to the Cardinals' vacancy, but the move makes sense when you look at the trajectory of his coaching career - and what he just accomplished in Jacksonville.
At 43, Campanile’s path to NFL defensive coordinator hasn’t exactly followed the typical fast track. He played his college ball at Rutgers, then cut his teeth coaching high school football in New Jersey before returning to Rutgers as a defensive assistant in 2012.
From there, he steadily climbed the ladder: tight ends coach, receivers coach, then a move to Boston College in 2016 to work with defensive backs. His defensive chops really started to shine during his 2019 stint as Michigan’s linebackers coach, which led to a role with the Dolphins - and eventually, a defensive coordinator gig with the Jaguars in 2025.
And that 2025 Jaguars defense? Quietly one of the league’s most well-rounded units.
They finished 8th in scoring defense and 11th in total defense. But the real standout stat: they were first in the NFL against the run.
That kind of dominance up front doesn’t happen by accident - it’s a testament to Campanile’s ability to scheme, motivate, and adjust. The pass defense lagged a bit at 21st overall, but considering the youth and injuries in the secondary, it’s hard not to be impressed by the overall performance.
Campanile’s rise is part of a broader trend in this year’s coaching carousel: defensive minds getting serious consideration. Here’s a snapshot of the Cardinals’ known candidate pool so far:
Finalist:
- Anthony Campanile, Jaguars DC (second interview scheduled)
Other Candidates:
- Joe Brady, Bills OC (interviewed)
- Anthony Weaver, Dolphins DC (interview scheduled)
- Robert Saleh, 49ers DC (interviewed)
- Vance Joseph, Broncos DC (interview requested)
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks OC (interview scheduled)
- Thomas Brown, Patriots passing game coordinator (interview requested)
- Matt Nagy, Chiefs OC (interviewed)
- Raheem Morris, former Falcons HC (interview scheduled)
- Mike LaFleur, Rams OC (interview requested)
- Chris Shula, Rams DC (interview requested)
- Arthur Smith, Steelers OC (interview requested)
- Matt Burke, Texans DC (interview requested)
It’s a deep and diverse list, with a mix of offensive and defensive minds, veterans and up-and-comers. But Campanile’s name being the first to move into the finalist stage signals that Arizona is serious about what he brings to the table - particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
The Cardinals are coming off a season where defensive consistency was hard to come by. If they’re looking to build a physical, disciplined identity - especially in a division that features some of the league’s most dynamic offenses - Campanile’s résumé fits the bill.
He’s not just a scheme guy, either. His background - from high school sidelines to NFL coordinator - speaks to a coach who knows how to connect with players, develop talent, and grind out results. That’s the kind of presence that can change a locker room.
We’ll see how the rest of the coaching search unfolds, but one thing’s clear: Anthony Campanile is no longer just a name on a list. He’s officially in the mix - and maybe even the frontrunner - to lead the Cardinals into their next chapter.