The Cleveland Browns are casting a wide net in their search for their next head coach, and the latest candidate to complete an interview is Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. At just 30 years old, Udinski is one of the younger names on the list, but his rapid rise through the NFL coaching ranks makes him a compelling figure in this cycle.
Udinski’s coaching journey began with the Panthers, where he served as an assistant from 2020 to 2021. He then joined the Vikings in 2022 as an assistant to the head coach, working on special projects. That role evolved quickly-by 2024, he was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach, and in 2025, he took over as Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator under head coach Liam Coen.
In his first year calling plays, Udinski helped guide the Jaguars to a top-10 finish in scoring offense (6th overall) and a respectable 11th in total yardage. While the ground game lagged a bit at 20th in the league, the passing attack held its own, finishing 12th. Those numbers paint the picture of a young play-caller who’s already shown he can scheme up points and adapt to the modern NFL.
Here’s where the Browns’ head coaching search currently stands:
- Interviewed: Ravens OC Todd Monken Browns OC Tommy Rees Browns DC Jim Schwartz Jaguars OC Grant Udinski
- Scheduled Interviews: Bengals OC Dan Pitcher Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase
- Interview Requests Sent: Seahawks DC Aden Durde Chargers DC Jesse Minter Rams DC Chris Shula
- Expected Interview: Former Ravens HC John Harbaugh
It’s a diverse mix of candidates-ranging from seasoned veterans like Harbaugh and McDaniel to rising stars like Udinski and Scheelhaase. The Browns appear to be weighing experience against innovation, looking for a leader who can elevate a roster that’s shown flashes of promise but hasn’t quite put it all together.
Udinski’s youth might raise eyebrows, but his track record suggests a coach who’s earned every step of his ascent. His offensive system in Jacksonville was efficient, creative, and balanced enough to keep defenses guessing. If the Browns are looking for a fresh voice and a forward-thinking mind to lead their next chapter, Udinski could be a name to watch closely.
We’ll continue to track developments as Cleveland narrows its search.