Jaguars’ Coen, Picucci Share Deep-Rooted Relationship

The relationship between run game coordinator Brian Picucci and coach Liam Coen has created a consistent line of communication between the players and staff, something the team didn't have last year.

Picucci formerly coached with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the past two seasons. He served as the assistant offensive line coach in 2024 when Coen was the offensive coordinator. Tampa Bay promoted him to offensive line coach last season.

He is reunited with Coen in Jacksonville as the run game coordinator. Center Robert Hainsey said Picucci is hard-wired to run the football, which he loves. 

The Jaguars ranked 20th in rushing yards per game last season at 115.1 yards. Picucci could help turn the run game around, especially if the improvement from the deep passing game is sustainable. 

Hainsey also had high praise for Picucci's familiarity with Coen. He complimented Picucci, who helped streamline the communication, preventing the team from hearing multiple different opinions.

"He and Liam have known each other a long time, so they have such a deep-rooted relationship, especially personally and coaching-wise," Hainey told reporters on Tuesday. "So, you just know that there's always going to be a consistent line of communication from the offensive line room to the offensive coordinator to the head coach."

Consistent communication has become one theme for the Jaguars this offseason. A significant part of that improvement is the team running back most of the same roster.

Despite losing key players like Travis Etienne Jr. and Devin Lloyd, Jacksonville did not suffer massive roster turnover. It has helped kickstart OTAs and minicamp faster than the team did last year.

Heading into Year 2 with Coen, the players understand the system and are having more complex conversations. Hainsey said last season was just learning the basics.

"Coming in with such a better baseline as a team, as a unit, as an offense with this, with what we're doing has definitely made it easier," Hainey said. "It's shown in camp. The conversations are so much at a higher level than they were at this time last year cause last year was truly the basics."

While accumulating talent is a key part of building a good team and winning in the NFL, deepening chemistry is also important. Chemistry has played a significant role in Jacksonville getting off to a quicker start compared to last season.

The relationship between Picucci and Coen -- and the small roster turnover -- has helped create a more efficient communication for the Jaguars and could help them build off their 13-4 finish last year.

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