By securing key extensions for Grant Udinski and Anthony Campanile, Jacksonville cements the coaching continuity necessary to build on last season's dominant AFC South title run.
One of the Jacksonville Jaguars' offseason goals was to retain both of their coordinators, Grant Udinski and Anthony Campanile, before they become head coaches elsewhere.
Jacksonville extended Udinski and Campanile on Jan. 27, following interest from other organizations and their coaching vacancies. The Cleveland Browns expressed interest in Udinski and the Arizona Cardinals for Campanile.
Tony Boselli, the executive vice president of football operations for the Jaguars, said it was a huge deal to extend the two and continue building continuity within the coaching staff, as much as there is on the roster.
"Those are two guys we want to be here as long as possible, while at the same time, we know they're going to be head coaches," Boselli told Mike Dempsey and Tony Smith on 1010XL on Wednesday. "I mean, you only can keep guys like that around so long. We were hoping, and it worked out for us. It's a testament to who they are, a testament to our ownership and Shad what he allows us to invest in those guys."
Both coordinators played instrumental roles in helping Jacksonville finish 13-4, including an eight-game winning streak to end the season, and win their first AFC South divisional title since 2022.
Udinski -- alongside coach Liam Coen, who was also an offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- transformed the Jaguars' offense in his first season. The team went from ranked in the bottom half of the league to just outside the top 10.
Jacksonville finished 11th in total yards per game (306.2), 12th in passing yards per game (223.2) and sixth in points per game (27.9). Quarterback Trevor Lawrence also threw for his third 4,000-yard season with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions to pair with such an accomplishment.
Campanile revived a Jaguars defense that was among the worst in 2024. The team finished as the best run defense last season (85.6 yards per game), eighth in points allowed (19.8) and 11th in total yards per game (303.6).
A key factor in Campanile turning the defense around is the versatility his group possessed. He recently complimented edge rusher Travon Walker on his ability to play multiple roles on the defensive line, like rushing the quarterback and backing into coverage.
Boselli highlighted safety Antonio Johnson, who recorded two sacks and tied for second in interceptions with five. The 160th pick from the 2023 draft has blossomed into a starter for Jacksonville.
"We look at a guy like Antonio Johnson, who just did a great job, developed last year, has the ability to play post safety in the box, can play big nickel, can play dime linebacker," Boselli said. "The position flex allows our defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanelli, to do a lot of different things."
Udinski and Campanile are bound to become head coaches in the future, evidenced by teams that expressed interest in hiring them for their coaching vacancies. However, Jacksonville extended the two for the foreseeable future, and they will continue to elevate the team, as Lawrence eyes a Super Bowl breakthrough entering his prime.
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