Calais Campbell chose Jaguars partly because of Tom Coughlin

As we’ve been thoroughly discussing since last night, the Jaguars are set to sign defensive end Calais Campbell in free agency. It was originally reported on Wednesday night that Campbell would be signing with the Jaguars; however, a new report surfaced today saying that he was also considering the Broncos, as Denver is his hometown. The Jaguars have apparently won out though, and while money is probably the most likely reason, it seems that there may have been another.

Here is the full text message, via Anderson:

Just got a text from Calais Campbell: "Chose #Jags because Tom Coughlin is a winner, they brought in two other big free agents and they also have been drafting well the last few years. They are a young and hungry defense that I want to lead."

Again, the money being higher was probably they ultimate deciding factor here, nobody is disputing that. However, it is pretty cool to hear a free agent of Campbell’s magnitude mention other reasons besides money as to why he is signing with Jacksonville, especially when one of the reasons is Executive Vice-President of Football Operations Tom Coughlin. Coughlin was brought in to overhaul the Jaguars, and establish a brand new culture that is steeped in winning. So far, so good.