The Cleveland Browns are exploring a bold move in their search for a new head coach, setting their sights on a rising NFL star: Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
At just 30 years old, Udinski could become the youngest head coach in league history if Cleveland decides to hire him, surpassing Rams coach Sean McVay, who was hired at 30 years and 354 days in 2017.
Udinski, who turned 30 on January 12, has experienced a rapid ascent through the coaching ranks.
After stints with Minnesota and Jacksonville, he has earned recognition for his ability to connect with players, develop quarterbacks, and bring energy to high-powered offenses.
“It’s more the experiences I’ve had that have brought me to this point,” Udinski explained last year when he was hired 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 do everything I can to be prepared for whatever responsibility comes my way.”
Udinski‘s journey to this point has been anything but conventional. Early in his career, he lived in his car during his first week as a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019 before being invited to move in with defensive coordinator Phil Snow.
That experience instilled a sense of perseverance and humility that he carries into his coaching philosophy today.
If the Browns hire Udinski and retain defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, 59, the organization could structure a mentorship dynamic, giving Schwartz the added title of assistant head coach to guide the first-time head coach.
For a young roster, Udinski‘s relatability could be a critical asset, bridging the gap between players and the coaching staff.
Udinski‘s quarterback success and offensive credentials
Udinski‘s coaching resume includes stints with Sam Darnold in Minnesota and Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, both of whom flourished under his guidance.
In 2024, working under offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, Udinski helped Darnold achieve career highs with a 66.2% completion rate, 4,319 passing yards, and 35 touchdown passes.
The Vikings‘ offense ranked in the top 10 in multiple categories, including passing yards per game, points per game, and first downs.
“Interviewing Grant was like interviewing a guy who could build a car from scratch for a job at a car wash,” O’Connell said when reflecting on Udinski‘s hire in Minnesota back in 2022.
“He’s got such an unbelievable understanding, from his background on offense and defense, and his sheer football stamina is something I really admire. I joke with him all the time, ‘Nobody loves football like you, man.’ His mind never really wanders from it.”
Udinski continued his success in Jacksonville, where he helped Trevor Lawrence achieve the winningest season of his five-year career.
Lawrence completed 341 of 560 passes for 4,007 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, leading the Jaguars to a 13-4 record and an AFC South title.
“Grant will bring a wealth of knowledge, energy and a winning mindset to help lead our offense here in Jacksonville,” Liam Coen said when hiring Udinski.
“He’s a rising star in this league that has been a pillar of success for the Vikings organization, and we can’t wait to have him lead our offense.”
As the Browns continue their search, Udinski‘s combination of youthful energy, offensive acumen, and leadership could make him an intriguing choice to lead a team eager for a new era.
If hired, he would join an exclusive group of NFL coaches who began their careers at the top of the league before turning 31, poised to leave a mark on Cleveland football for years to come.
