Grant Udinski, the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, is in a pivotal moment today as he interviews with the Cleveland Browns for their head coaching position. This meeting holds the potential to make him the youngest head coach ever hired in the NFL. Udinski turned 30 years old on January 12, the same day the Browns reached out to schedule an interview.
If the Browns decide to hire Udinski to replace Kevin Stefanski, he would eclipse the current record held by Sean McVay, who was appointed head coach of the Los Angeles Rams at the age of 30 years and 354 days in 2017. Udinski”s interview today is virtual, and he will be presenting his vision to Browns management, including general manager Andrew Berry and owner Jimmy Haslam.
As the ninth candidate to interview for the position, Udinski follows a lineup that includes notable figures such as the Browns” own offensive coordinator, Tommy Rees, and defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz. The team has also spoken with coordinators from rival teams and former head coaches. After Udinski”s interview, the Browns plan to conduct second interviews next week, starting with Schwartz on Monday and Todd Monken on Tuesday.
Udinski”s age could play a unique role in his fit with the Browns” young roster. Some players may be older than him, while others, like defensive end Myles Garrett, share the same age. His ability to connect with young athletes might resonate well, given his background in the digital and social media age, combined with a wisdom that belies his years.
“It”s more the experiences I”ve had that have brought me to this point,” Udinski expressed last year upon his hiring by the Jaguars. “I can”t control the number of my age, so it”s not something I concern myself a ton with. I would say I take every measure possible to be prepared for whatever responsibility comes my way.”
His journey to this point has been remarkable, including a challenging start when he lived in his car while beginning his coaching career at Baylor University in 2019. His talent did not go unnoticed, leading to an invitation from the Baylor defensive coordinator to move in. Should the Browns hire Udinski and keep Schwartz on as defensive coordinator, there may be a possibility for Schwartz to take on the role of assistant head coach, mentoring Udinski as he transitions into a head coaching role.
While Udinski may not have direct play-calling experience, his track record with quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Trevor Lawrence speaks volumes. During his time with the Minnesota Vikings, he played a critical role in revitalizing Darnold”s career, contributing to a 14-3 record and notable offensive statistics. His work with Lawrence has also yielded impressive results, as the quarterback led the Jaguars to a 13-4 season, showcasing significant improvements in his passing and rushing statistics.
The Jaguars” offense flourished under Udinski”s guidance, finishing sixth in the league in points scored. This marked a significant turnaround for the franchise, and the positive impact of Udinski”s leadership was evident to players and coaches alike. Lawrence has openly praised Udinski”s meticulous approach to preparation and game-planning, emphasizing the effectiveness of their collaborative efforts.
As the Browns continue their search for a new head coach, Udinski”s interview is a critical step that could reshape his career and the future of the team. Whether or not he becomes the youngest head coach in NFL history remains to be seen, but his journey and potential speak to a promising future in the league.
