The Jacksonville Jaguars may have found their next coach to watch in offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue put together a list of one coach from every NFL team who could break out in 2026, and Udinski was the clear Jacksonville pick. Rodrigue also noted that defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile could have fit the bill, but the spotlight landed on Udinski.
Her list was built using conversations with team and league sources, film study, and input from The Athletic’s beat writers.
"Udinski’s first season under Jacksonville coach Liam Coen was already the subject of much interest in league circles following a successful stint with the Vikings and coach Kevin O’Connell," Rodrigue wrote. "He drew head coaching interest after the Jaguars ’ exceptional 2025 season, and ultimately received a contract extension in Jacksonville in the spring. Both coaching mentors have heartily praised Udinski’s work ethic and attention to detail in developing the offensive plan each week."
That interest makes sense after the way Jacksonville finished last season. Working alongside Liam Coen, Trevor Lawrence and the offense found another gear late, and the Jaguars closed the year by winning their final eight regular-season games. Over that stretch, the offense averaged nearly 33 points per game.
Udinski was already on the radar this offseason, too, as a reported finalist for the Browns' head coaching job.
He still hasn’t called plays, but the trajectory is obvious. Around the league, he’s viewed as one of the coaching names on the rise, and 2026 could be the year he takes another step.
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