Jacksonville Jaguars Begin Reshaping Coaching Staff With Key Defensive Hire
The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially taken their first visible step in reshaping the coaching staff under head coach Liam Coen, signaling a clear direction for the franchise as it prepares for the next phase of development. Following the departure of veteran assistant Ron Milus, the Jaguars are set to hire Mathieu Araujo as their new cornerbacks coach, according to reports from CBS Sports.
The move represents more than a routine staff change. It reflects Jacksonville’s broader strategy of investing in young, ascending coaches who align with Coen’s long-term vision of sustainability, player development, and modern defensive teaching.
A Fresh Start in the Secondary
Araujo’s arrival fills a crucial vacancy on the defensive staff. Milus previously oversaw the cornerbacks, and his exit opened the door for a new voice to guide one of the roster’s most important position groups.
Despite his relatively young age, Araujo has already earned a strong reputation around the league. Most recently, he served as the cornerbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins, where he was widely praised for navigating a difficult season marked by injuries and limited depth. Even with personnel challenges, Miami’s secondary remained competitive, disciplined, and well-prepared—an outcome often attributed to detailed coaching and clear communication.
Familiarity With the Defensive Leadership
One of the key factors behind Araujo’s hiring is his existing relationship with defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. The two have worked together previously at both Miami and Boston College, developing a shared understanding of defensive structure, terminology, and teaching philosophy.
That familiarity is expected to ease the transition and allow the Jaguars’ defensive staff to function cohesively from the outset. Rather than starting from scratch, Jacksonville is leaning into continuity of ideas—an approach that often accelerates on-field results.
Influence of Vic Fangio’s Coaching Tree
Another notable aspect of Araujo’s résumé is his exposure to Vic Fangio’s defensive system during his time in Miami. Fangio’s influence has shaped many of today’s top NFL defenses, emphasizing versatility, disguise, and situational intelligence.
For Jacksonville, this background adds another layer of credibility to the hire. It places Araujo within one of the league’s most respected defensive lineages, while still allowing him to bring his own energy and modern perspective to the position.
A Coach on the Rise
Still in his early 30s, Araujo fits the profile of the type of coach Jacksonville appears to be targeting—young, adaptable, and hungry to grow alongside the roster. His coaching journey spans both college and professional football, with stops at Yale, Boston College, Springfield College, and Maine Maritime Academy before making the jump to the NFL.
He joined the Dolphins in 2022 as an assistant defensive backs coach and earned a promotion to cornerbacks coach in 2024, a rapid rise that reflects both trust and performance.
Immediate Impact and Key Responsibilities
Araujo’s role will carry immediate significance. He is expected to take over direct responsibility for the Jaguars’ cornerbacks, including former No. 2 overall pick Travis Hunter. After spending much of his rookie season contributing on offense, Hunter is projected to play a far larger role on defense in 2026.
Developing Hunter and stabilizing the secondary will be among Araujo’s top priorities, particularly as Jacksonville looks to convert late-season momentum into consistent success.
Coen’s Vision Begins to Take Shape
For Liam Coen, this hire is an early but telling indicator of how he plans to build his staff. Rather than relying solely on established veterans, Coen appears focused on assembling coaches who share values of energy, accountability, and teaching clarity.
As the Jaguars’ offseason continues, more changes are expected. But with the addition of Mathieu Araujo, the blueprint is becoming clearer: a unified defensive approach, an emphasis on development, and a belief that long-term growth starts with the right people in the room.
The Jaguars may still be early in the process, but the direction under Coen is no longer a mystery—it’s beginning to take form.
