The Cleveland Browns are making a bold move in their search for a new head coach, and it’s raising eyebrows across the NFL. At just 30 years old, Grant Udinski, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, is the latest—and perhaps most surprising—candidate to interview for the position. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Udinski’s rapid rise through the coaching ranks a testament to his genius, or is the Browns’ front office taking a risky gamble on unproven talent? Let’s dive in.
On Saturday, Udinski became the ninth candidate to interview for the Browns’ head coach vacancy, joining a star-studded list of contenders. Earlier in January, the team spoke with their own offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees, and defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, on the 8th. The following day, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher and Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde had their turn. Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken interviewed on the 10th, while former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel met with the team on the 12th. Most recently, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase interviewed on the 16th. With such a competitive field, Udinski’s inclusion is a head-scratcher for some—but his resume might just silence the doubters.
In his first season as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator in 2025, Udinski played a key role in transforming Jacksonville’s offense into a powerhouse, even though head coach Liam Coen called the plays. The Jaguars finished the regular season ranked sixth in points per game (27.9) and 11th in total offense (5,735 yards), averaging an impressive 337.4 yards per game. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence thrived under Udinski’s guidance, completing 341 of 560 passes for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns, while also rushing for 359 yards and nine scores. The team’s 13-4 record earned them the AFC South title, though their playoff run ended in the Wild Card round against the Bills. But this is the part most people miss: Udinski’s impact extends far beyond the stats—he’s a strategic innovator with a knack for developing talent.
Before joining the Jaguars, Udinski spent three seasons with the Vikings (2022-2024), climbing the ladder from assistant to the head coach/special projects to assistant quarterbacks coach/chief of special projects, and finally to assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach. In 2023, his first season as assistant quarterbacks coach, the Vikings ranked in the NFL’s top 10 in passing yards per game, fourth-down percentage, passing yards per play, and first downs per game. That same year, he demonstrated his adaptability by navigating a quarterback carousel after Kirk Cousins’ season-ending injury in Week 8, relying on four different starters—a franchise record. In 2024, the Vikings’ offense continued to shine, ranking sixth in passing yards per game (237.8), seventh in passing yards per play (7.38), ninth in points per game (25.4), and 10th in first downs per game (20.8). Quarterback Sam Darnold had a career year, finishing fifth in passing yards (4,319) and sixth in passer rating (102.5), while setting NFL history with 14 wins in his first season with the team.
Udinski’s NFL journey began in 2020 as a coaching assistant with the Carolina Panthers, following a stint as a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019. His playing career at Towson (2016-2018) as a defensive end showcased his football IQ, with 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles in his final season. He also spent a year at Davidson College as a tight end before transferring to Towson.
But here’s the burning question: Can a 30-year-old with no head coaching experience lead a franchise like the Browns to success? Some argue his youth and fresh perspective are exactly what the team needs, while others worry about his lack of proven leadership. What do you think? Is Udinski the Browns’ future, or is this move too risky? Let us know in the comments below!
Bio Blast
Grant Udinski – Jaguars Offensive Coordinator
Age: 30
Hometown: Doylestown, Pennsylvania
College: Towson
NFL Experience: 6 years
