Rising Star Grant Udinski Gets Second Interview with Browns - Steelers Keeping Tabs on Other Young Offensive Minds
The Cleveland Browns are taking a hard look at one of the NFL’s fastest-rising coaching prospects. Grant Udinski, just 30 years old and fresh off his first season as offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is getting a second interview for Cleveland’s head coaching vacancy, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Udinski’s name has been buzzing in coaching circles for good reason. In Jacksonville, he teamed up with head coach Liam Coen to help breathe life back into an offense that had lost its rhythm.
While Coen handled play-calling duties, Udinski’s fingerprints were all over the Jaguars’ offensive resurgence - most notably in the improved play of former No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence. The pairing brought structure and creativity to an offense that had been searching for both.
What makes Udinski’s rise even more compelling is the path he took to get here. A Pennsylvania native, he once lived out of his car while grinding through a season as a graduate assistant at Baylor.
That kind of determination doesn’t show up on a résumé, but it says plenty about his drive. Still, the fact that he’s only one year into a coordinator role - and didn’t call plays - makes him one of the more volatile names in this coaching cycle.
High ceiling, high risk.
The Browns clearly see something they like. Udinski is one of three finalists getting a second look in Cleveland, joining current Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz and Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. That’s a mix of experience and youth, and Udinski stands out as the boldest swing of the bunch.
Interestingly, while Udinski has yet to draw official interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team has requested interviews with two of his coaching peers: Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak. Like Udinski, neither Scheelhaase nor Kubiak calls plays for their current teams, but all three are viewed as part of the next wave of offensive minds - young, innovative, and molded by elite coaching lineages.
There’s a clear thread tying these candidates together: the influence of the Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan coaching trees. Coen, Udinski’s current boss in Jacksonville, is a McVay disciple from his time with the Rams.
Before joining forces with Coen, Udinski cut his teeth with the Minnesota Vikings under Kevin O’Connell - another former McVay lieutenant. This coaching DNA matters in today’s NFL, where offensive ingenuity is at a premium and teams are increasingly betting on youth and upside.
As for the Steelers, if they’re interested in getting into the Udinski conversation, they may need to act fast. The Browns got a head start on the hiring process after parting ways with Kevin Stefanski at the end of the regular season, and all signs point to them making a decision soon - possibly within the week.
For now, Pittsburgh is playing it patient, exploring a group of young offensive minds who could shape the next era of NFL football. Whether that includes Udinski remains to be seen, but his stock is clearly on the rise - and the Browns are already making their move.