GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals get a second in-person interview with one of the best defensive coordinators in the league today. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jacksonville Jaguars’ Anthony Campanile will get on a flight tonight for his second interview with Arizona on Thursday. The 43-year-old coached the best run defense in the NFL last season, a department that the Cardinals need desperate help in.

Dec 14, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA;Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile stands on the field during pregame warmups against the New York Jets at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Travis Register-Imagn Images

Advertisement

Campanile gets second interview:

Compared to other coaching candidates during this job cycle, Campanile doesn’t have much NFL experience. He coached high school football for five years, until getting his first college job in 2012 with his Alma Mater Rutgers. With the Knights, Campanile was a defensive assistant, tight end and wide receiver coach.

Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

His next job opportunity was three years at Boston College, getting the first taste of being a defensive coordinator in 2018. Campanile finish his final year coaching college at Michigan under current Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, as a Linebackers coach.

Advertisement

In 2020, Campanile became the linebackers coach for the Miami Dolphins under then head coach Brian Flores, and even survive the transition to Mike McDaniel in the role. Four seasons in South Beach had a massive change in scenery going to the Green Bay Packers as the run game coordinator.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile hugs safety Andrew Wingard (42) before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Texans 17-10.

After hiring of Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, Campanile would get his second opportunity as defensive coordinator and excelled massively. The six-year NFL coaching veteran inherited the 27th scoring defense and turned them in eighth in points allowed. Jacksonville was the best run defense in the NFL, allowing 85.2 yards per game. Second place was a full seven yards worse.

Cardinals Trey Benson (33) and Josh Sweat (10) warm up on the sidelines during a preseason game against the Raiders at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Aug. 23, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Advertisement

The Cardinals were 25th in run defense and 29th in points allowed. Arizona surrendered 37+ points six times in the final nine games, allowing a franchise record of points in a single-season. Despite the poor results, the roster does have young pieces to turn around the unit, with help being a massive reason for the terrible play.

Campanile could come in and turn the Cardinals defense into a fierce unit. His connections with former head coaches could also allow him to hire some talented coordinators in the roles.

Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports