Devin Lloyd credits Jaguars coaches for unlocking his elite potential, helping him become a premier linebacker before his Panthers move.
Former Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd had become a staple of the Jags' defense since being drafted in the first round in 2022, serving as one of the league's premier young defenders.
In his four years in the NFL, Lloyd has racked up 436 tackles, 18 quarterback hits, and nine picks, making him the only player in the league with 400-plus tackles, 10-plus QB hits, and eight-plus INTs in that span.
Last season was Lloyd's first time being named an All-Pro, as he became one of the league's best ball-hawking linebackers, recording five picks.
Lloyd signed a 3-year, $45 million deal with the Carolina Panthers in free agency, ending his time in Jacksonville, but he recently credited the Jags' staff for helping him break out and improve as a player.
"Coaching helps develop players. Obviously, every player is talented and they have a skill set, and now it's on coaches of all levels ... to really help those players get the most out of the talent that they have," Lloyd told the Charlotte Observer's Mike E. Kaye in an interview Thursday.
Lloyd played under two head coaches during his time in Jacksonville, Doug Pederson (2022-2024) and Liam Coen (2025), but also worked with multiple assistant, saying he had "great coaches" last season.
"I give the most credit to them. They helped me use my hands," Lloyd explained. "So you can play violent, you could play physical in the run game, shut off blocks, make plays."
Lloyd praised defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and linebacker coach Tem Lukabu for encouraging Lloyd to play physical defense and initiate contact, saying their scheme allowed the Jags' defense to "make the most plays as possible."
After joining the staff last season following a short tenure with Carolina, Lukabu helped the former All-American out of Utah achieve his best season as a pro. Campanile is also entering his second year as Jags defensive coordinator after serving as the Green Bay Packers' linebackers coach/run game coordinator.
Lloyd's speed and ability to pursue the ball carrier is exactly what Campanile was looking for, as the 27-year-old linebacker prides himself on his ability to shut down the run after the catch.
Although the Jaguars weren't able to retain Lloyd, he certainly has fond memories of his time in Jacksonville. Plus, having talented and knowledgeable coaches like Campanile and Lukabu in the building is a positive sign for the Jaguars, who are looking to build off of a 2025 postseason berth.
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