NFL News: Anthony Campanile, Jaguars Agree to DC Contract Under Liam Coen

New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen has made the first major hire to his staff.

The Jaguars and Anthony Campanile have agreed to terms on a deal that will make him their defensive coordinator.

Before the San Francisco 49ers got word from Robert Saleh that he was returning to the organization as their defensive coordinator, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero noted they were "impressed" with Campanile when they interviewed him as a potential alternative candidate.

Campanile spent the 2024 season on Matt LaFleur's staff with the Green Bay Packers, serving as linebackers coach and run game coordinator.

The 42-year-old Campanile has an extensive coaching background. He began as an assistant coach at the high school level in 2006 before moving to the college ranks at Rutgers from 2012 to '15.

Steve Addazio, then-head coach at Boston College, added Campanile to his staff in 2016. He spent two seasons as defensive backs coach before adding the title of co-defensive coordinator in 2018.

Jim Harbaugh brought Campanile to Michigan for the 2019 season as linebackers coach. He has been working in the NFL since 2020 when the Miami Dolphins hired him to be their linebackers coach.

The Jaguars will mark Campanile's first stint as a solo defensive coordinator at any level. He could have a lot of freedom in his role to mold the defense as he sees fit since Coen has said he intends to call plays for the offense.

Jacksonville finished 28th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed this season. The defense has ranked in the top half of the NFL in points allowed just once since 2019.