The Cleveland Browns are on a mission to find their next head coach, and the race just got even more intriguing. On Friday, the team conducted a second-round interview with Grant Udinski, the 30-year-old offensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars. But here's where it gets controversial: Udinski, despite his youth, has already made waves in the NFL, and his potential appointment could signal a bold new direction for the Browns.
This marks Udinski’s second interview with the Browns, the first taking place on January 17. He joins a shortlist of candidates who’ve advanced to the second round, including Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (interviewed on January 19) and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken (interviewed on January 20).
Udinski’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Hired as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator in 2025, he played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive success, even though head coach Liam Coen called the plays. Under Udinski’s guidance, the Jaguars finished the 2025 regular season ranked sixth in the league 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, throwing for 4,007 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding 359 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. The Jaguars’ 13-4 record earned them the AFC South title, though their playoff run ended in the Wild Card round against the Bills.
Before joining the Jaguars, Udinski spent three seasons with the Vikings (2022-2024), starting as an assistant to the head coach for special projects and later ascending to assistant quarterbacks coach and chief of special projects. By 2024, he was promoted to assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach. His NFL journey began with the Carolina Panthers (2020-2021) as a coaching assistant, following a stint as a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019.
And this is the part most people miss: Udinski’s rapid ascent raises questions about the value of experience versus fresh perspectives in coaching. At 30, he’s one of the youngest candidates in the running, yet his impact on the Jaguars’ offense is undeniable. Is age just a number when it comes to leadership? Or does the Browns’ head coaching role demand a more seasoned hand?
The Browns’ search continues, but Udinski’s candidacy has undoubtedly added a layer of excitement and debate. What do you think? Is Grant Udinski the right choice for the Browns, or is his lack of head coaching experience a red flag? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
