The Jacksonville Jaguars are on a major hot streak, and while the offense gets a lot of the attention, the defense shouldn't be overlooked. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has been in Jacksonville for less than a year, and he's already completely revitalized the Jags defense.
Under Campanile's leadership, numerous players — like linebacker Devin Lloyd, cornerback Montaric Brown, and defensive back Antonio Johnson — have had breakout seasons, and others, like Josh Hines-Allen, have bounced back from disappointing sophomore slumps.
Of course, Jacksonville's defense isn't perfect, and there are still things that can be improved. But as a unit, the defense has been steadily improving throughout the season. And let's not forget: they have the best run defense in the league. And that's exactly why new reports will have Jaguars fans so worried.
Related: Rich Eisen explains why teams should be terrified of facing the Jags in the playoffs
Titans eyeing Anthony Campanile could spell trouble for Jaguars’ defensive future
To absolutely no one's surprise, the Tennessee Titans are looking for a new head coach. They have a miserable 2-12 record, and just can't seem to get it together. And, surprise! They're looking to poach someone from within their own division.
According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, among the list of coaches the Titans are interested in is Anthony Campanile. Tennessee reportedly is interested solely in elevating a defensive coordinator to head coach, and Campanile is one of their candidates.
"As is often the case with defensive-minded candidates, the Titans’ first question will revolve around offensive staff construction, specifically, who these men would hire as offensive coordinator," she said. "After two seasons spent searching for an identity, the hope inside the building is that the next hire can take control of an organization that has acknowledged its share of missteps."
Now, this could be a long shot — it's Campanile's first season as defensive coordinator, and to immediately be hired as a head coach after that would be unusual. But it also has happened before, and if the Titans manage to steal him away, it would be a huge blow for the Jaguars.
Campanile is reportedly beloved in Jacksonville, by both the players and the administration alike. But the Jaguars also need to build more stability and consistency. Campanile has been able to do great things with the Jaguars defense, and it would be a major loss to lose him after just one year, forcing the unit to rebuild yet again.
What the Jaguars have right now is working; Shad Khan needs to do whatever he can to keep the team he has around for the future.