The Jacksonville Jaguars have taken a decisive step in shaping their 2026 coaching roster by adding two experienced and respected football minds to Head Coach Liam Coen’s staff. Mathieu Araujo and Brian Picucci have both been officially named to new strategic roles—Araujo as Defensive Pass Game Coordinator and Picucci as Run Game Coordinator—highlighting Jacksonville’s intent to refine both sides of the ball ahead of another competitive NFL season.
Mathieu Araujo (pronounced uh-ROO-joh) arrives in Jacksonville after four seasons on the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coaching staff. Most recently, he served as the Dolphins’ cornerbacks coach (2024–2025), following two years as assistant defensive backs coach (2022–2023). Under his guidance, Miami’s defense soared in key rankings—including a fourth-best finish in total defense in 2024—providing a glimpse into the value Araujo brings to Jacksonville.
In his new role as Defensive Pass Game Coordinator, Araujo will collaborate closely with Defensive Coordinator Anthony Campanile to fortify Jacksonville’s pass defense—an area that proved critical in the team’s 2025 playoff push. His arrival signals Jacksonville’s commitment to tightening coverage schemes and maximizing the impact of its defensive backs.
On the offensive side of the ball, Brian Picucci has been named the Jaguars’ Run Game Coordinator, bringing decades of coaching experience to Jacksonville’s ground attack. Picucci spent the past two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as assistant offensive line coach in 2024 and offensive line coach in 2025, where the Bucs’ offensive line consistently ranked well in rushing and protection metrics.
As Run Game Coordinator, Picucci’s role will be to oversee and enhance Jacksonville’s ground attack—an essential complement to the team’s dynamic passing offense. His deep offensive line expertise and familiarity with Coen’s system position him to make an immediate impact on rushing effectiveness and overall offensive balance.
These high-profile staff additions come as the Jaguars prepare for a second straight season under Head Coach Liam Coen. By strengthening both the defensive backfield and the offensive run game, Jacksonville is signaling that it’s thinking holistically—building continuity not just around star players like Trevor Lawrence but also in the coaching architecture that supports them.
Having continuity on both sides of the ball can be the difference between playoff contender and championship challenger. Araujo’s defensive acumen and Picucci’s offensive expertise give the Jaguars fresh strategic depth and a sharper focus on execution. For Jaguars fans and NFL observers alike, this dual announcement reflects a front office and coaching staff aligned in purpose and direction as Jacksonville aims to build on a successful 2025 campaign.