The Browns are narrowing their focus in the search for their next head coach, and one name is starting to stand out among the finalists: Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. According to reports, Cleveland has officially requested a second interview with Udinski-a sign that the 30-year-old rising star is firmly in the mix for the job.
This isn’t just a routine follow-up. The Browns are starting to line up interviews with finalists, a group that also includes Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Cleveland’s own defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
But Udinski’s presence in that group speaks volumes. Despite his age, he’s quickly built a reputation as one of the brightest young minds in the game.
If the Browns do pull the trigger and hire Udinski, he wouldn’t just be a bold choice-he’d make history. At just 30, he would become the youngest head coach in NFL history. That’s not just a fun fact-it’s a testament to how quickly he’s climbed the NFL coaching ladder and how much respect he’s earned along the way.
Udinski’s coaching journey has been fast and focused. He broke into the league with the Panthers as an assistant from 2020 to 2021, before moving to Minnesota in 2022, where he served in a hybrid role as assistant to the head coach and special projects coordinator. That role put him in the room where big-picture decisions were made, and it clearly helped shape his approach.
In 2024, the Vikings promoted him to assistant quarterbacks coach-a key developmental role where he worked closely with the most important position on the field. That experience paved the way for his move to Jacksonville, where he took over as offensive coordinator under head coach Liam Coen for the 2025 season.
And Udinski didn’t waste time making an impact. The Jaguars’ offense in 2025 was no joke-sixth in points scored, 11th in total yards, and top half of the league in passing.
While the run game lagged a bit at 20th, the overall production was strong, especially for a team adjusting to a new offensive system. It’s the kind of performance that turns heads around the league, and clearly, the Browns took notice.
There’s still no guarantee how this shakes out-Monken brings veteran play-calling experience, and Schwartz has deep ties to the organization and a proven defensive track record. But Udinski represents something different: a potential long-term leader with a modern offensive mind, shaped by a fast-tracked career and early success.
Cleveland’s decision will say a lot about the direction they want to go. Do they lean on experience and stability, or do they bet on the upside of a young coach who’s already shown he can hang with the best?
One thing’s clear-Grant Udinski isn’t just a name in the mix anymore. He’s a serious contender.