The Packers enlist Anthony Campanile as their linebackers coach and intend to transition to a 4-3 base defensive scheme.
The Green Bay Packers have been actively restructuring their defensive coaching staff recently. With new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley at the helm alongside head coach Matt LaFleur, decisions have been made regarding which assistant coaches will stay and which will depart, as well as the base alignment for the upcoming 2024 season.
Anthony Campanile, formerly with the Miami Dolphins, joins the Packers as the new linebackers coach, succeeding Kirk Olivadotti. Campanile, who was attracting attention for defensive coordinator roles elsewhere, including interest from Vic Fangio of the Philadelphia Eagles, now holds the titles of linebackers coach and defensive run game coordinator in Green Bay.
Having played and coached at Rutgers, Campanile shares a connection with Hafley through their ties to Greg Schiano. While not directly overlapping at Rutgers, Schiano was their coach and later Hafley’s superior at both Rutgers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They also both coached at Boston College, though at different periods.
Interestingly, former Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry now fills Campanile’s former role in Miami, also assuming the run game coordinator position.
As part of these changes, Jason Rebrovich, the former outside linebackers coach for the Packers, transitions to defensive line coach. This shift, along with Campanile’s broad “linebackers” coach title, signifies a move to a 4-3 base defense under Hafley’s leadership.
In addition, Vince Oghobaase, formerly Hafley’s defensive line coach at Boston College, joins the Packers’ defensive staff as an assistant defensive line coach, primarily focusing on interior linemen.
Looking ahead, the Packers will need to bolster their linebacker depth before practices commence in May, as there’s currently limited depth behind their top three linebackers. With potential salary cap considerations, there’s speculation about De’Vondre Campbell’s future with the team due to his underwhelming performance in 2023 and recurring injuries.
While the distinctions between 3-4 and 4-3 defenses are less pronounced in today’s NFL due to widespread use of nickel personnel, this shift remains noteworthy. Players like Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Lukas Van Ness will likely see their roles transition from outside linebackers to defensive ends in the new defensive scheme.
