After a dominant season atop the defensive rankings, Antonio Johnson and his teammates celebrate the return of a mastermind who bypassed head coaching offers to stay in Jacksonville.
Sometimes the best off-season moves are the ones that never happen.
The Jacksonville Jaguars almost lost their defensive coordinator, Anthony Campanile, to a head coaching job after last season. After a season in which the Campanile turned the Jaguars' defense into the NFL's best against the run (85.6 YPG), while forcing 31 turnovers (+13 turnover margin), and eight in scoring defense (19.8 PPG), the Jags' 43-year-old DC was interviewed for multiple head coaching positions.
However, after interviewing with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins, Campanile decided to return to Jacksonville.
Jaguars' safety Antonio Johnson couldn't have been happier to hear the news.
Speaking on Tuesday during the first day of Jacksonville's mandatory minicamp, Johnson spoke about how he felt after finding out that Campanile would be back. The 24-year-old expressed not only his own delight, but also talked about how the players were calling each other to spread the good news.
After mentioning how great the defense was under Campanile in 2025, Johnson and his teammates understood that meant other teams would try to poach him away from the Jags. Johnson said that everyone would have been for Campanile if he had taken a head-coaching job and that he was very deserving.
"He's a great coach and whatever organization that would have got him would have been blessed, but, um, we're happy to have him back. For the first time in my career, I have the same DC. It's a blessing," Johnson gleefully exclaimed.
Expectations For 2026
With Campanile back for another season, expectations for the Jaguars' defense are very high for 2026. Even after losing linebacker Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville is still expected to have one of the best defenses in the NFL.
Johnson, as well, is expected to fully establish himself as one of the best safeties in the league during the upcoming campaign. After a 2025 season in which he was PFF's top-graded safety in the entire NFL, Johnson was named Jacksonville's most underappreciated player. As a fifth-round pick in 2023, Johnson has shattered expectations and has become the unquestioned leader of the Jaguars' young secondary.
There is no telling how good the Jags' defense can be this season. With Travis Hunter likely to be used more on defense as a starting cornerback, a healthy Travon Walker, and Johnson entering his first full season as a starter, Campanile will leading a group loaded with young, extremely talented players.
Final Thoughts
The Jaguars were very fortunate that Campanile, as well as offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, returned to the club. Both coordinators are incredibly well-though of around the league, and both figure to become head coaches sooner rather than later.
However, Campanile is still the defensive coordinator in Jacksonville. As long as he is here, the Jaguars' defense will remain fearsome, and continue giving the team a legitimate chance to win it all.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
