Interim head coach Nunzio Campanile of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights has been selected as the new offensive coordinator for the UConn Huskies, marking a significant hiring decision for newly appointed head coach Jason Candle. Campanile, who has previously held various assistant coaching positions with former Big East rivals, will be taking on his first role as a full-time offensive coordinator in Storrs.
Born into a coaching family often referred to as the “First Family of Football” in New Jersey, Campanile has built a strong reputation for his connections to top talent in the region, particularly from parochial schools. He has an extensive coaching background, spending 17 years with well-known programs like Don Bosco Prep and Bergen Catholic. Following his high school coaching experience, he joined Rutgers, initially as a running backs coach. Campanile stepped into an interim head coaching position for eight games in 2019 after Chris Ash was let go and continued to climb the ranks within the program.
After the return of head coach Greg Schiano to Rutgers, Campanile was the only staff member retained and took on another interim offensive coordinator role for the last six games of the 2022 season. His coaching journey then took him to Syracuse, where he served as a tight ends coach. In a similar situation, he was appointed as the interim head coach for two games when Dino Babers was dismissed. Campanile was subsequently retained by new head coach Fran Brown, where he worked as the quarterbacks coach for the last two seasons.
As UConn moves forward, Campanile’s blend of experience and deep connections in New Jersey high school football could play a crucial role in revitalizing the Huskies’ offensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season. His proven track record and familiarity with the conference may position UConn favorably in future matchups, showcasing the potential for positive growth under his leadership.