Campanile Emerges as Top 2027 Head Coaching Candidate
ESPN's Ben Solak names the Jaguars defensive coordinator among the most sought-after candidates for next year's openings.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
ESPN analyst Ben Solak named Jacksonville defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile a top head coaching candidate for 2027. The Jaguars, who sit atop the AFC South at 5-2, beat the Indianapolis Colts 42-7 while losing two defensive starters to season-ending injuries.
Why it matters
Campanile's candidacy highlights the strength of a Jaguars defense that ranks among the league's best in expected points added and points allowed per drive. Jacksonville's organization now faces the prospect of losing a key coordinator to another team's head coaching search.
Jacksonville ranks third in expected points added per drive and fourth in points allowed per drive since the 2025 season began. The defense has been strongest against the run, though its performance against the Colts left the unit short-handed.
The players
Anthony Campanile
Campanile is the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator who has developed a reputation for aggressive pressure concepts and split-field zone coverages.
Ben Solak
Solak is an ESPN analyst who covers the NFL and evaluates coaching candidates and team strategy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are an NFL franchise based in Jacksonville, Florida, competing in the AFC South division.
The details
Solak cited Campanile's player development, including Devin Lloyd's 2025 breakout, as a factor in his candidacy. Campanile interviewed for head coaching vacancies with the Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins, and Arizona Cardinals, and was reportedly a finalist for the Arizona job before agreeing to remain with Jacksonville for 2026.
Timeline
2025 season: Jaguars finished 13-4 and won the AFC South championship.
2026 season: Campanile agreed to remain with Jacksonville.
Sunday before publication: Jaguars beat the Colts 42-7 and lost DaVon Hamilton and Eric Murray to season-ending injuries.
2027: Campanile projected as a top head coaching candidate.
Season Trajectory
Jacksonville's 13-4 2025 season and AFC South title established a strong foundation that has carried into 2026. Campanile's emergence as a top head coaching candidate reflects how coordinator success in a championship-caliber system can quickly draw league-wide attention.
Fantasy managers should note Jacksonville's league-leading rushing defense, which may limit opposing running backs' production against the Jaguars. Campanile's potential departure could affect the team's defensive scheme and coaching continuity in future seasons.
The takeaway
Campanile's rise shows how a coordinator's development of players can elevate his standing across the league. Fans following Jacksonville should watch whether the defense maintains its strong run-stopping numbers through the rest of 2026.
What happens next
Campanile's candidacy will be tested during the remainder of the 2026 season, with head coaching hiring cycles expected to begin after the season concludes.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Football coverage of Jacksonville's defense and coaching staff.
