The Jacksonville Jaguars came close to losing defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile in the 2026 hiring cycle. After turning around the Jacksonville defense, Campanile became a hot commodity among teams in need of a head coach. In fact, he was a finalist for the opening with the Arizona Cardinals.
In the end, though, Campanile returned to Duval (and got a nice raise along the way). However, the Jags may not be able to keep him around for long if he has yet another banner season. Fortunately, they may already have his heir apparent in place.
Could the Jaguars replace Anthony Campanile with Mathieu Araujo?
After the 2025 season concluded, the Jaguars dismissed defensive backs coach Ron Milus. To replace him, they brougth in Mathieu Araujo to fill the vacancy.
While Araujo has yet to coach a regular-season game in Jacksonville, Gus Logue of SB Nation believes he could end up being the heir apparent for Anthony Campanile if he becomes a head coach in 2027. Here's the skinny.
"Jacksonvillle's top brass prides itself on its acquisition process," Logue wrote. "At every level of the building, the Jaguars want to bring in individuals with 'Jaguars DNA.' Peoplpe who 'elevate the space by being nothing more than themselves.' Folks who are 'intangibly rich.'"
Logue continued, "Early indications point to Araujo being exactly that type — so much so that he may already be the top internal candidate to eventually replace Campanile."
Araujo began his NFL career as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Miami Dolphins in 2022. Hew as promoted to cornerbacks coach in 2024, a position he held until he joined the Jags earlier this year.
Dating back to his stints at Boston College and later Yale, Araujo was seen as an ascending talent in coaching circles. In Jacksonville, the expectation is that he's going to get the most out of players such as two-way star Travis Hunter and safety Caleb Ransaw.
And that's the thing: as stout as the Jaguars defense was in 2025, it ranked 21st in total yards and 14th in passing touchdowns allowed. There's definitely room for improvement, and Araujo should help with that. Of course, it will still be Campanile's unit, but there's a strong chance he will leave for a head-coaching job if he manages to steer the defense in the right direction.
The Jaguars have options aside from Mathieu Araujo to replace Anthony Campanile
Of course, there's still plenty of time left, but if things play out as expected, the defense will make strides, and Anthony Campanile will bolt for greener pastures. If that's what ends up happening, Mathieu Araujo would be the obvious choice to replace him. Then again, it would make sense to consider external options.
Jim Schwartz is among the NFL's brightest defensive minds, and it wouldn't hurt to do due diligence. He was the defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2025 but resigned when he wasn't promoted to head coach after the firing of Kevin Stefanski.
In the next hiring cycle, Schwartz could garner interest for defensive coordinator positions, and he could use the job as a springboard to become a head coach in 2028. Todd Bowles could also be available if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kick him to the curb. He's seemingly on the hot seat after failing to pass beyond the Divisional Round of the playoffs. He could be another intriguing option. Maybe Dann Quinn, head coach for the Washington Commanders, could also be available.
Of course, there's also a scenario in which Anthony Campanile stays in Duval beyond 2026, but if he leaves, the Jaguars will have no shortage of options to replace him, including Mathieu Araujo.
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