Jaguars' Three Assistant Coaches Carry 2025 Hopes Under New Head Coach

When Jacksonville Jaguars gathered for their first summer workouts, the buzz wasn’t just about the new players—it was the freshly assembled coaching crew that had everyone talking.

At the center of that buzz is head coach Liam Coen, hired on January 24, 2025, alongside general manager James Gladstone. The duo promised a cultural reset, and the pressure now rests on three assistant coaches who could make—or break—that promise.

Coaching Overhaul: Who’s Who

Coen’s first‑year staff reads like a mix of NFL veterans and up‑and‑comers. The most spotlighted trio includes quarterback coach Spencer Whittle, offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett, and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. Below them sit position specialists like defensive line coach Matt Edwards and a slew of assistants ranging from Keli'i Kekuewa to Bill Sheridan, all tasked with turning a franchise that’s lingered in mediocrity into a contender.

Quarterback Development: Whittle & Lawrence

Spencer Whittle’s name may not yet be household‑level, but his résumé includes stints as a passing game analyst with the New York Giants and a year‑long apprenticeship under former Dolphins offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. This season, his primary charge is franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who posted 4,023 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2024.

“We’ve got the talent, we just need the consistency,” Lawrence said at the first team meeting. “Spencer’s been drilling the pocket reads and timing routes that we didn’t even try last year.” Whittle echoed that sentiment, noting that his job is “to get Trevor to feel comfortable making any throw, any time, without overthinking.” The duo’s chemistry is critical because Jacksonville’s offense ranked 21st in points per game last season, largely due to stalled drives after the three‑and‑out stretch.

If Lawrence can hit double‑digit touchdowns in the first half of the season, Whittle’s résumé will suddenly read like a fast‑track ticket to an offensive coordinator role—something Coen hinted might be on the table if the numbers line up.

Protecting the Pocket: Sarrett’s Offensive Line Mission

Shaun Sarrett arrives in Jacksonville after five seasons as the offensive line coach at the University of Southern California, where he helped produce three NFL‑drafted linemen in a single year. The Jaguars’ front five, however, have been a revolving door since 2022. This year’s key additions include veteran center Robert Hainsey and guard Patrick Mekari, both signed in free agency to shore up a unit that allowed 58 sacks in 2023.

“We’ve got talent, but talent doesn’t protect a quarterback on its own,” Sarrett told reporters at training camp. “Our focus is on technique, communication, and building a cohesive unit that can hold its ground against the league’s elite pass rushes.” Young prospects Walker Little, Anton Harrison and Wyatt Mills will also see an expanded role, making the line’s development a two‑pronged challenge: integrate seasoned veterans while accelerating the growth of unproven talent.

Analysts from Pro Football Focus project the Jaguars could improve their sack numbers by as much as 15% if Sarrett’s schemes click early. That modest shift could be the difference between a 7‑9 record and a playoff berth.

Defensive Leadership: Campanile & the Front Seven

On the opposite side of the ball, Anthony Campanile brings a reputation as a hard‑nosed defensive mind. He spent the last three seasons as the secondary coach for the New York Giants, where his coverage units consistently ranked in the top ten for opponent passing yards.

Partnering with defensive line coach Matt Edwards—who previously helped the Denver Broncos post a franchise‑record 48 sacks in 2022—Campanile’s goal is to revive a defense that finished 27th against the run last season.

“We’ve got the pieces; what we need is discipline and aggressiveness,” Campanile said during his press conference. “The front seven has to set the tone, and that starts with the line getting penetration and the linebackers filling gaps.” Derrick LeBlanc, the new assistant defensive line coach, will be tasked with working directly with rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter, a high‑draft pick expected to be an immediate impact player.

What Success Looks Like for Jacksonville

For a franchise that has missed the playoffs since 2022, success in 2025 isn’t defined solely by a win‑loss column. It means showing a competitive edge in three core areas:

1. Quarterback stability – Lawrence posting at least 30 touchdowns and a sub‑4.5 passer rating.
2. Offensive line integrity – reducing sacks allowed to under 40 for the season.
3. Defensive consistency – ranking inside the top 15 against both the pass and the run.

If Whittle, Sarrett and Campanile can each deliver on those metrics, the Jaguars could realistically clinch a wildcard spot by mid‑December, a feat that would validate Coen’s aggressive staffing moves.

Looking Ahead: Stakes for 2025 and Beyond

The real test begins at the first preseason scrimmage at TIAA Bank Field. Fans will be watching not just the on‑field results but the subtle shifts in coaching dynamics: Whittle’s play‑calling input, Sarrett’s adjustments during live snaps, and Campanile’s ability to call blitzes that keep opposing QBs off‑balance.

Should the trio succeed, the Jaguars could enter a new era where assistant coaches become prime candidates for larger roles across the league—mirroring the career trajectories of recent coordinators turned head coaches.

Conversely, faltering early could reignite the franchise’s infamous “coach carousel” that has plagued the team for nearly a decade. In that scenario, Coen may have to make difficult staffing changes before the regular season even starts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will Spencer Whittle’s coaching affect Trevor Lawrence’s performance?

Whittle focuses on timing routes and pocket awareness, aiming to boost Lawrence’s completion rate above 65% and increase his touchdown total to at least 30. Early-season drills suggest a clearer decision‑making process that could translate into fewer interceptions.

What improvements are expected from the offensive line under Shaun Sarrett?

Sarrett’s emphasis on technique and veteran integration should cut sack numbers from 58 last season to under 40. The presence of Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari adds experience, while younger linemen receive accelerated coaching to improve pass‑protection grades.

Can Anthony Campanile’s defense keep pace with the league’s top offenses?

Campanile’s background in secondary play and Matt Edwards’ proven pass‑rush schemes aim to lift the Jaguars into the top 15 against both the pass and run. Early practice reports cite a more aggressive blitz package designed to pressure opposing QBs within 3.5 seconds.

What does a successful 2025 season mean for the Jaguars’ long‑term outlook?

A playoff berth would validate the coaching overhaul, likely securing Coen’s tenure and positioning the three highlighted assistants as future coordinators or head coaches. It would also boost fan confidence and market value for key players.

What are the biggest risks if the new assistants underperform?

If Lawrence’s development stalls, the offense could revert to its 2023 struggles, leading to early-season losses. Poor line play would increase sacks and injuries, while a lackluster defense could keep the team out of the playoff conversation entirely.