Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Cleveland Browns' head coaching position. Despite two interviews with the Browns, Udinski is still in contention for the Buffalo Bills' head coaching vacancy. Should he not secure a top coaching role, reports indicate he will remain with the Jaguars, benefiting from a substantial pay raise. At 30 years old, Udinski is on the cusp of potentially becoming the youngest head coach in NFL history, a record currently held by Sean McVay, who took on the Los Angeles Rams' head coaching role at 30 years and 353 days old.
Udinski's coaching journey began at Baylor in 2019 under Matt Rhule. He followed Rhule to the Carolina Panthers in 2020, serving two seasons there before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2022. In Minnesota, he advanced from assistant to the head coach to assistant quarterbacks coach and then assistant offensive coordinator. His recent season as the Jaguars' offensive coordinator concluded with their playoff elimination by the Bills, marking a rapid ascent in his coaching career.
Grant Udinski's Withdrawal from Browns' Head Coach Pursuit
Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator, Grant Udinski, has officially removed his name from consideration for the Cleveland Browns' head coaching position, according to multiple news outlets. This decision comes after Udinski had engaged in two interview sessions with the Browns as they continue their search for a new leader following the departure of Kevin Stefanski to the Atlanta Falcons. Udinski, who just celebrated his 30th birthday on January 12th, was a notable candidate, with the potential to become the youngest head coach in the history of the NFL if he were to secure such a role this coaching cycle. His withdrawal narrows the field for the Browns, but Udinski's future in the league remains dynamic.
Despite his decision regarding the Browns, Udinski remains a prominent figure in the ongoing coaching carousel. He is reportedly still a candidate for the head coaching vacancy with the Buffalo Bills, indicating continued interest from other NFL franchises in his coaching capabilities. Furthermore, reports suggest that Udinski has already secured an agreement to stay with the Jacksonville Jaguars, which includes a significant salary increase, should he not land a head coaching job elsewhere this offseason. This arrangement provides a strong fallback for Udinski, ensuring his continued involvement and advancement within the Jaguars' coaching structure, reinforcing his value within the organization.
Udinski's Rapid Ascent and Future Coaching Prospects
Grant Udinski's career trajectory in professional football coaching has been remarkably swift and impressive. Starting his coaching journey at Baylor in 2019, he quickly moved up the ranks, following head coach Matt Rhule to the Carolina Panthers the following year. After two seasons with the Panthers, Udinski transitioned to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, initially serving as assistant to the head coach for special projects. His capabilities were quickly recognized, leading to his promotion to assistant quarterbacks coach in 2023, and then to assistant offensive coordinator in 2024, showcasing his rapid development and growing influence within NFL coaching circles.
This past season marked Udinski's inaugural year as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, a role that further highlighted his strategic acumen. Under his guidance, the Jaguars made a playoff push, though their season concluded with a 27-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round. His experiences, from collegiate coaching to various NFL offensive roles, have positioned him as a sought-after talent. The attention he's garnered from franchises like the Browns and Bills underscores his potential to lead an NFL team, and his ongoing candidacy with the Bills, coupled with a promising deal to stay with the Jaguars, ensures that Udinski will continue to be a significant figure in the league's coaching landscape for years to come.