Just one day after Rutgers hired Robb Smith as its defensive coordinator — seemingly meaning that Michigan would retain linebackers coach Anthony Campanile — Campanile is gone.
The New Jersey native has accepted a job as an assistant coach for the Miami Dolphins, per Yahoo’s Pete Thamel. His role is unclear as of now.
Retaining Campanile had been of utmost importance for the Wolverines, especially after former special teams coordinator Chris Partridge left to take a defensive coordinator job with Ole Miss. Campanile, a New Jersey native, had key ties to the state, which helped with recruiting efforts. Michigan has found fertile recruiting ground in New Jersey under Jim Harbaugh, and has now lost its two coaches with the strongest ties to the state.
Rutgers and Michigan had fought it out for Campanile’s services over the last few weeks, with Campanile eventually turning down the Scarlet Knights’ defensive coordinator job. According to NJ.com, he was expected to get a pay raise at Michigan, with a potentially new title. His name had also come up in rumors for Boston College’s defensive coordinator job.
Campanile will owe Michigan 25 percent of his $415,000 annual salary under his buyout clause.
The Wolverines now must replace two of their assistant coaches. Under Harbaugh, Michigan has yet to go an offseason without turnover on the coaching staff.