From the start, head coach Kyle Shanahan's top choice for defensive coordinator was always Robert Saleh. The 49ers were willing to wait while Saleh explored head coaching opportunities, a decision that ultimately paid off when he reunited with Shanahan in Santa Clara.
Had the 49ers not landed Saleh, Campanile would have been an intriguing option. After spending years coaching at the collegiate level, he transitioned to the NFL in 2020 as the Miami Dolphins' linebackers coach. He later joined the Packers in 2024 and has quickly earned respect across the league.
This wasn't Campanile's first attempt at securing a coordinator role. He previously interviewed with the New York Giants in 2024 before joining Matt LaFleur's staff in Green Bay, where he worked under defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.
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