Jaguars Josh Hines-Allen on how new DC Anthony Campanile has stood out early on

USA Today

07-07-2025

Jaguars' DE Josh Hines-Allen recently weighed in on new DC Anthony Campanile and what he adds.
Jaguars' defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile is, of course, bringing a new defensive scheme to Jacksonville. But with offseason programs now behind us, the Xs and Os aren't what stands out to defensive end Josh Hines-Allen.
On a recent appearance on the 'Rich Eisen Show,' Hine's Allen detailed what instead stands out about Campanile.
"I love Coach Camp," said Hines-Allen. "He's somebody that you want to play for." ... "This dude is intense but he shows the passion and love that he has for the game and for us. It makes us want to play for him. It makes us want to understand the defense a little bit faster for him. So that's always a good trait to have in a coach."
Across this new Jaguars' coaching staff is a players-first mentality. As Liam Coen has said since taking over as the head coach, it's about players over plays.
Like any play-caller, Campanile has core principles that his defensive scheme is built around. But this is a malleable defense that will adjust to each opponent. It will also mold to the skill sets that are on the Jaguars' roster in order to maximize each player's abilities and put them in positions to make plays.
Accomplishing this begins with communication and understanding what each player does well and what roles they are comfortable filling.
The scheme absolutely matters--we all know that--but just as important to Campanile is that his defenders also have the right play style each week and on every play.
"The most important thing when you talk about defense is your play-style," said Campanile earlier this offseason. "My vision for us defensively, we want to be a tough, fast, physical, violent at the point of attack team.
"What does that mean? That means that you got guys who take pride in not getting blocked. Everybody talks about running to the ball, I don't think there's another person in the world who believes in running to the ball more than I do. But you can't run to the ball if you don't get off blocks, and that is something that's going to be celebrated in our room."