The Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, Grant Udinski, is emerging as a notable candidate for head coaching positions in the upcoming NFL hiring cycle. Despite being under 30 years old—his birthday is next month—Udinski’s innovative approach and coaching pedigree are drawing attention. According to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, the trend of hiring young, dynamic offensive minds, exemplified by the Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay, has made Udinski a name to watch.
Udinski’s rise in the coaching world reflects a broader industry trend. Since McVay took the Rams’ helm just before his 31st birthday in 2017, many teams have sought similar candidates who can inject vitality and creativity into their offensive strategies. While teams have experienced varying degrees of success in this pursuit, Udinski’s background suggests he could replicate the competitive edge seen with the Rams.
Coaching Journey and Impact
Since taking on the role of offensive coordinator under first-year head coach Liam Coen in February, Udinski has garnered praise as a “rising star.” His coaching journey began as a graduate assistant at Baylor University in 2019. Following that, he joined Matt Rhule at the Carolina Panthers in 2020, where he contributed to the team’s offensive plans. After a challenging stint in Carolina, he moved to the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, where he quickly ascended to the role of assistant quarterbacks coach and later became assistant offensive coordinator.
Udinski’s strategic influence has been significant during his time in Minnesota, where he was integral to the successful seasons of quarterback Kirk Cousins. His work has also been noted for enhancing Sam Darnold’s surprising performance during the 2024 season. More recently, his contributions to the Jaguars have been credited with aiding quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s growth as the team boasts a commendable record of 9-4, placing them at the top of the AFC South.
Despite the Jaguars’ current success, Lawrence’s individual statistics remain modest compared to expectations, which could lead some to question the impact of Udinski. Nonetheless, the overall performance of the team has kept his profile high, especially amidst a scarcity of standout offensive-minded candidates in the league.
Future Prospects and Considerations
While Udinski’s youth may raise concerns among teams seeking head coaches, his ability to adapt and innovate could outweigh those doubts. It is important to note that he does not call plays for the Jaguars; that responsibility lies with Coen. This could be a point of contention for franchises evaluating his candidacy, although it remains speculative.
Even if Udinski does not secure a head coaching role in 2026, his name is likely to appear frequently in coaching discussions in the coming years. In 2025 alone, he interviewed for offensive coordinator positions with five different teams, highlighting his rising reputation in NFL circles. As teams look to invigorate their coaching ranks, Udinski’s blend of youthful energy and strategic insight positions him as a compelling candidate to watch.
