One Jaguars’ coach was named a young head coaching candidate to know in 2026 by NFL Network.
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network put together his list of the 24 young head coaching candidates to know in 2026, and included was Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.
“Jacksonville got off to a fast start, logging 14 takeaways in its first five games,” Pelissero wrote. “Injuries in the secondary have contributed to some recent struggles. But if the Jaguars finish strong, it wouldn’t be a surprise if some team takes a closer look.”
This season, the Jaguars’ defense ranks 12th in scoring defense, 10th in yards per rush allowed, 14th in yards per pass attempt, and the team is tied for fourth in turnover differential.
Under Campanile, the Jaguars deploy a heavy zone-based defense on the back end, in an effort to keep all eyes on the quarterback to increase ball production. Up front, there can be heavy movement, which includes utilizing simulated pressures relatively often.
When Campanile was first hired as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, he discussed the importance of building a culture of honesty and accountability.
“I mean that for myself, first and foremost,” Campanile said via Jaguars.com. “I’m going to work my (expletive) off every day. I’m going to come in this building with a passion to win. They can expect that. I’m going to be passionate when I get up in front of them.”
Campanile continued, “You’re going to be at your best when you’re doing things for people you love. Your objective on a unit is to try and get everybody as close to that as you possible can. If you have an emotional connection to what you’re doing, then you’re better.”
Beyond what Campanile has added to the Jaguars’ defense, he is someone who can greatly impact a team’s culture, which is something that a team in search of a head coach is going to need.