The Cleveland Browns are on the hunt for a new head coach, and the interview process is heating up! One of the latest candidates to throw their hat in the ring is Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator, Grant Udinski. The Browns are conducting interviews to find the right person to lead their team. This is a crucial decision that could shape the team's future. Udinski's interview is scheduled for Saturday, making him the ninth person to be considered for the position.
The Browns have been busy, as they've already interviewed a series of impressive candidates. On January 8th, they spoke with their own offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees, and defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz. The following day, January 9th, brought interviews with Dan Pitcher, the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Aden Durde, the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. The Browns then interviewed Todd Monken, the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator, on January 10th. And on January 12th, they spoke with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. The interviews continued on January 16th with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase.
Now, let's dive into Udinski's background. At just 30 years old, Udinski brings a fresh perspective to the table. He was hired as the Jaguars' offensive coordinator in 2025. Under head coach Liam Coen, Udinski played a key role in the Jaguars' offensive success in his inaugural season. The team finished an impressive sixth in the league in points per game, averaging 27.9 points. They also ranked 11th in total offense, with 5,735 total yards, averaging 337.4 yards per game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a stellar season, completing 341 of 560 passing attempts for 4,007 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, along with 82 rushing attempts for 359 yards and 9 touchdowns. The Jaguars had a strong season, finishing with a 13-4 record, winning the AFC South, before being eliminated by the Bills in the Wild Card round.
Before his time with the Jaguars, Udinski spent three seasons with the Vikings from 2022-24. He began as an assistant to the head coach/special projects in 2022 and was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach/chief of special projects in 2023. In 2024, he advanced to assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach.
During his first year as assistant quarterbacks coach, the Vikings were among the top 10 in the NFL in passing yards per game, fourth-down percentage, passing yards per play, and first downs per game. He navigated the 2023 season with four different starting quarterbacks, a franchise record, due to an injury to Kirk Cousins.
In the 2024 season, the Vikings' offense was in the top 10 in several categories, including sixth in passing yards per game at 237.8 yards, seventh in passing yards per play at 7.38 yards, ninth in points per game at 25.4, and tenth in first downs per game at 20.8. Quarterback Sam Darnold finished fifth in the NFL with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns, and sixth in passer rating at 102.5. Darnold became the first quarterback in NFL history to record 14 wins in his first season with a team and the winningest quarterback in a single season in Vikings history.
Udinski's NFL journey began as a coaching assistant with Carolina from 2020-21. Before that, he was a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019.
But here's where it gets interesting: Udinski's background isn't limited to coaching. Before his coaching career, he played defensive end at Towson from 2016-18. In 2018, he played in all 12 games, recording 28 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles. He also played one season at Davidson College as a tight end before transferring to Towson in 2016.
Bio Blast
- Grant Udinski – Jaguars offensive coordinator
- Age: 30
- Hometown: Doylestown, Pennsylvania
- College: Towson
- NFL experience: 6 years
What do you think? Does Udinski's diverse background make him a strong candidate? Which aspects of his experience are most appealing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
