The Miami Dolphins continue to cast a wide net in their search for a new head coach, and their latest interview brings a familiar face back into the building. On Tuesday, the team confirmed it has completed an interview with Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile for the vacant head coaching position.
Campanile is no stranger to South Florida. He spent four seasons with the Dolphins from 2020 to 2023, working as the team’s linebackers coach. Now, after a strong debut season running Jacksonville’s defense, he’s back in the mix - this time as a candidate to lead the entire operation.
At 43, Campanile brings a unique blend of grassroots coaching experience and NFL acumen. His coaching journey started back in New Jersey, where he played college ball at Rutgers before cutting his teeth at the high school level. He returned to Rutgers in 2012, climbing the ranks from a defensive assistant to tight ends coach, and even took a turn coaching wide receivers - a rare versatility for a defensive-minded coach.
From there, his career continued its upward trajectory. He joined Boston College in 2016 as a defensive backs coach, then moved to Michigan in 2019 to oversee the linebackers. That stint in Ann Arbor paved the way for his first NFL job - with the Dolphins - where he helped develop a physical, aggressive linebacking corps that played a key role in Miami’s defensive identity during that stretch.
After his time in Miami, Campanile joined the Packers in 2024 as the linebackers coach and run game coordinator. That role showcased his ability to impact both scheme and player development, and it helped set the stage for his promotion to defensive coordinator with the Jaguars in 2025.
In his first year calling the shots in Jacksonville, Campanile made a strong impression. The Jaguars finished the season ranked 8th in scoring defense and 11th in total defense.
Most notably, they were the NFL’s top unit against the run - a testament to Campanile’s emphasis on fundamentals, gap discipline, and physicality up front. The pass defense, however, lagged behind at 21st, leaving room for improvement on the back end.
Still, that kind of defensive turnaround in just one season has put Campanile on the radar for head coaching opportunities - and Miami is clearly intrigued by what he could bring to the table in a larger role.
Here’s where things stand in the Dolphins’ coaching search so far:
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Kevin Stefanski, former Browns head coach - Interviewed
- Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator - Interviewed
- Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator - Interview Scheduled
- Kelvin Sheppard, Lions defensive coordinator - Interview Requested
- Patrick Graham, Raiders defensive coordinator - Interview Requested
- Anthony Campanile, Jaguars defensive coordinator - Interviewed
The Dolphins are clearly exploring a wide range of candidates, from seasoned head coaches like Stefanski to rising coordinators like Campanile. What makes Campanile’s case particularly interesting is his prior stint with the Dolphins and his recent success in Jacksonville. He knows the organization, understands the culture, and has proven he can lead a top-tier defense.
Whether that’s enough to land him the top job remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear - Anthony Campanile is firmly in the mix, and his coaching résumé is only getting stronger.