Anthony Campanile: A Rising Star in NFL Coaching with Big Opportunities on the Horizon

The NFL coaching world is abuzz with excitement as several assistant coaches make their mark. Among them is Anthony Campanile, the Green Bay Packers’ linebackers coach and run game coordinator, who is quickly gaining attention for his impressive coaching resume. Although he interviewed for a defensive coordinator role with the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s clear that Campanile is on the radar of many teams, and his future in the league seems exceedingly bright.

Campanile’s Impact in Green Bay

In his first season with the Packers, Anthony Campanile made a significant impact on both the players and the organization. His contributions to the team’s defensive development have not gone unnoticed. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley have both publicly praised his work. Campanile’s leadership was instrumental in developing rookie Edgerrin Cooper, while also contributing to the Packers’ run defense, which saw a major improvement, ranking eighth in EPA/play—a dramatic rise from 32nd between 2019 and 2023.

Jeff Hafley, who worked closely with Campanile, had high praise for his colleague. “He’s one of the best, most loyal people I’ve ever been around,” Hafley said. “He’s one of the best football coaches I’ve ever been around.” This sentiment reflects Campanile’s influence not just as a coach, but as a person who connects deeply with both players and fellow coaches. Hafley also added, “I think the players are gonna love him, and that’s really important as we build this staff.” It’s clear that Campanile’s coaching style is not only effective on the field, but also resonates with the people he works with.

A Career Built on Dedication and Growth

Campanile’s journey to becoming an NFL assistant coach was anything but ordinary. His career took a significant turn when, at a young age, he transitioned from coaching high school football at Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey, to the collegiate level. At the time, Campanile was an assistant coach working on both sides of the ball. His success at the high school level opened the door to a career that would see him move up the ranks in the world of college football.

From coaching at Rutgers as a defensive assistant, tight ends coach, and wide receivers coach, to his time as a defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator at Boston College, Campanile’s experience gave him the skills to lead and build a strong defensive unit. His time at Michigan as a linebackers coach further solidified his expertise, and his four seasons as the Miami Dolphins’ linebackers coach gave him a diverse and well-rounded perspective that he now brings to the Packers.

The Jaguars’ Interest: A New Challenge Ahead?

With the Jaguars looking to make changes to their coaching staff, Anthony Campanile has become a prime candidate for their open defensive coordinator position. While the Jaguars still have Ryan Nielsen under contract as their current defensive coordinator, the team’s recent hiring of former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen as their new head coach suggests a shift in priorities. Coen is expected to build a new staff, and the defensive coordinator role is expected to be filled soon.

Campanile’s potential role with the Jaguars would be particularly enticing. Under an offensive-minded head coach like Coen, he would have the opportunity to be the defensive playcaller—a rare and valuable chance for any coach looking to make a name for themselves in the NFL. This added responsibility could be the perfect next step in Campanile’s career, allowing him to showcase his skills in a leadership position.

A Bright Future for Anthony Campanile

It’s clear that Anthony Campanile’s coaching career is on an upward trajectory. Whether he stays with the Packers or takes on a new challenge as a defensive coordinator elsewhere, his future in the NFL looks incredibly promising. His ability to develop young talent, improve team performance, and build meaningful relationships with players and coaches alike makes him one of the most sought-after assistant coaches in the league today. As the NFL continues to evolve, Anthony Campanile will undoubtedly be a key figure in shaping the future of defensive football.