3 Jaguars winners (and 1 loser) from the hiring of Brian Picucci

While the Jacksonville Jaguars waited to find out whether Anthony Campanile and Grant Udinski would be leaving, they made a couple of tweaks to their coaching staff. First, they dismissed defensive backs coach Ron Milus and later hired Mathieu Araujo to take his place. Just a few days later, the team hired Brian Picucci to serve as the run game coordinator.

Both hirings should have a big impact, as they'll address some of the team's biggest issues from last year. Picucci, in particular, will be tasked with improving a running game that got off to a strong start in 2025 but faded down the stretch.

One thing working in Picucci's favor is that he's worked with head coach Liam Coen in his previous stops, so he knows what his current job entails. But aside from giving the running game a boost, his presence will benefit a handful of players (and possibly affect another one).

With this in mind, here are three winners (and one loser) from the decision to hire Picucci.

Jaguars winners No. 1: Jonah Monheim, center

While Brian Picucci will mainly oversee the running game, he has a background as an offensive line coordinator. Heck, the Jags wanted to bring him in that capacity when Liam Coen became the head coach. However, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blocked the move, and it wasn't until 2025 that he landed in Jacksonville.

Circling back to his offensive-line acumen, Picucci could help develop players such as Jonah Monehim. Granted, offensive line Shaun Sarrett is still in charge of coaching the offensive trenches, but Picucci will certainly chime in and share his knowledge.

Monheim didn't get much playing time as a rookie, but when he did, he flashed potential. He could continue to make strides and even compete for a starting role under Picucci.

Jaguars winner No. 2: Bhayshul Tuten, running back

Even though Travis Etienne was RB1 last season, Bhayshul Tuten got a substantial workload, toting the rock 83 times for 307 yards with five touchdowns. He also had two receiving touchdowns. There's a chance the sophomore will get an extended role if Etienne leaves in free agency. If that's the case, having Picucci around will help him improve.

Holding onto the football was an issue for Tuten entering the NFL. He only had two lost fumbles as a rookie, but he was also so worried about not losing the football that it held him back. Picucci will surely find a way to help him trust his instincts while holding the football tight.

Jaguars loser No. 1: Walker Little, left tackle

Most offensive linemen will benefit from Brian Picucci's presence, but it may not be enough to help Walker Little stick around next season. The former Stanford Cardinal became the left tackle full-time in 2024. He was the Week 1 starter last season but was eventually benched in favor of Cole Van Lanen.

Little is on the roster, but trading him would free up $7.3 million in space with $7.2 million in dead money. There's a chance he could stay, but signs point in the opposite direction, even after bringing in Picucci.

Jaguars winners No. 3: Wyatt Milum, offensive lineman

It's fair to say that Wyatt Milum left much to be desired as a rookie. Expected to compete for the starting job at left guard, he was instead a non-factor for most of the year. Some of that was due to the fact that he suffered a knee injury in training camp that held him back for a while. But even late in the season, the former West Virginia Mountaineer didn't do much of note.

Milum should get a clean slate in 2026, and having Picucci around should help him hit his stride. If it doesn't, the Jags may need to start worrying about his development.