The Minnesota Vikings are heading into 2026 with some continuity on offense - but not without a few notable changes. The most significant move so far?
The team chose not to renew the contract of offensive line coach Kris Kuper. There’s also some buzz about a potential change at the assistant OL coach spot, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
Outside of that, the offensive staff remains largely intact. That’s a shift from what we’ve seen in recent years, where head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offensive assistants were often the ones drawing outside interest.
But this offseason, it’s the defensive side of the ball that’s been in the spotlight. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores and pass game coordinator Daronte Jones have both been interviewing with teams across the league, signaling that Minnesota’s defensive brain trust could be on the move.
Still, it’s impossible to ignore the name that keeps popping up in coaching circles: Grant Udinski.
Grant Udinski’s Meteoric Rise
Udinski, just 30 years old, is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in NFL coaching. After spending just one season as the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator, he’s already drawing serious interest for head coaching jobs - and not just in passing.
The Cleveland Browns have interviewed him twice for their vacant head coaching position, left open after Kevin Stefanski’s departure. That includes an in-person second interview, a clear sign that Cleveland is taking him seriously.
But the Browns aren’t the only ones dialing his number.
The Buffalo Bills have now entered the conversation, requesting an interview with Udinski for their own head coaching vacancy. If he lands either job - or any other that opens up in this cycle - Udinski would become the youngest head coach in modern NFL history.
That’s not just a fun trivia fact. It’s a testament to how quickly Udinski’s stock has risen and how much NFL front offices are buying into his potential.
The idea of pairing him with a quarterback like Josh Allen in Buffalo is especially intriguing. It’s the kind of bold, forward-thinking move that could push a team over the top - if it works.
A Rapid Climb Through the Ranks
Udinski’s coaching journey is nothing short of remarkable. He got his start in 2022 as Kevin O’Connell’s “assistant to the head coach” - a behind-the-scenes role that rarely garners headlines.
But it didn’t take long for the Vikings to recognize his value. He was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach in 2023 and then to assistant offensive coordinator in 2024.
That’s a fast track by any standard, and it speaks to how highly he was regarded inside the Vikings’ building. When the Jaguars came calling last offseason, offering him the offensive coordinator role, it was a big leap - but one he was clearly ready for.
Fast forward one year, and he’s on the brink of becoming a head coach.
What Minnesota Lost
It’s hard to ignore the timing of Udinski’s departure and the Vikings’ offensive struggles in 2025. Minnesota’s offense took a noticeable step back this past season, and while quarterback instability certainly played a role, the absence of Udinski’s influence can’t be overlooked.
He was a key piece of the offensive puzzle during his time in Minnesota - a trusted voice in the room and someone who clearly had a feel for the game. The fact that he’s now fielding second interviews for head coaching jobs tells you everything you need to know about how the rest of the league views his potential.
You have to wonder if Kevin O’Connell and the Vikings let a rising star walk out the door a little too soon.
What Comes Next
Whether it’s Cleveland, Buffalo, or another team that pulls the trigger, Grant Udinski is on the verge of making NFL history. And while he’s never called plays or run a team outright, he’s already proven he can elevate an offense - and do it fast.
The next step will be the biggest one yet. If he gets the nod, he’ll be tasked with leading an entire locker room, building a staff, and managing the pressure that comes with being the face of a franchise. That’s a tall order for any coach, let alone one who was still an assistant just two years ago.
But if Udinski’s rise has taught us anything, it’s this: underestimate him at your own risk.