Cardinals Head Coach Race Takes Massive Turn

The Arizona Cardinals move into the mix with a prominent coach candidate out.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile walks along the side line during the third quarter during an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars defeated the Jets 48-20. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ARIZONA — The Arizona Cardinals' path to deciding their next head coach just got paved in crystal clear fashion.

The Jacksonville Jaguars revealed defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile (along with offensive coordinator Grant Udinski) will be returning to their staff for the 2026 season.

Campanile was considered to be a top two finalist for the Cardinals' job alongside Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.

Staying in #DUUUVAL 😤

Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski & Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile have agreed to terms to remain in Jacksonville for the 2026 season! pic.twitter.com/aRs6uzIBrv

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 27, 2026

READ: 3 Questions Cardinals Must Answer Before Hiring HC

Now, with Campanile out of the picture, the path seems to be clear for LaFleur to become the Cardinals' next head coach.

Campanile interviewed with the Cardinals twice and was considered one of the top three finalists alongside LaFleur and former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

However, heads started to turn when the Cardinals brought LaFleur in for two scheduled in-person interviews this week, which is normally a tell-tale sign of their interest.

It's possible Campanile, who was also a hot candidate in other coaching vacancies, was informed Arizona wouldn't be interested in his services and decided to return to Jacksonville.

READ: Mike LaFleur Has Become Cardinals Worst-Kept Secret

Arizona, Las Vegas and Cleveland are the remaining three teams to be without a head coach at this point in time.

Why Cardinals Were Interested in Anthony Campanile

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile walks off the field to be interviewed by media members after an NFL training camp session at the Miller Electric Center, Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 in Jacksonville, Fla. | Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Campanile rose quickly through the coaching ranks as a fiery defensive-minded candidate that turned the Jaguars into the best run defense in the NFL last season. His work on that side of the ball, where Arizona obviously lacked, was notable as the Cardinals were looking to replace prior head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Campanile was highly regarded for his leadership and ability to help players develop, which was a key talking point for Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort during his press conference after firing Gannon:

"First and foremost, we're looking for a strong leader. Being a head coach in the NFL is a difficult job, and there's 31 other teams that are trying to do the same thing that we're doing. And so a lot goes into that. There's being a strong leader, it's creating accountability and dependability in the locker room, it's creating advantages on the field, putting our players in a position to be successful. It's developing young players. It's helping them take that next step. We get players out of college, and we have to get them better. And so there's a lot that falls under the umbrella of a head coach, and so we're focused on finding a coach that can help us achieve those goals," said Ossenfort.

Why Mike LaFleur Might Be Their Preferred Choice

Jul 23, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur during training camp at Loyola Marymount University. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

LaFleur is poised to become the NFL's next young, innovative play-caller after spending previous time under notable offensive minds in Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay.

LaFleur's experience in the NFC West and knowledge of its teams, particularly their defenses, could also be a strong selling point for an Arizona team that didn't win a single game within the division in 2025.

With weapons such as Trey McBride, Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., there's hope LaFleur would be able to scheme and maximize those talents while also masking some deficiencies within the offensive line and overall rushing attack.

And, of course, the Kyler Murray question also looms large. LaFleur can either try to work with the seven-year veteran or usher in a new era of Cardinals football with a young signal-caller down the road.