The future of coaching in the NFL may see a shift as Grant Udinski, the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, becomes a sought-after name in head coaching discussions. At just 30 years old, Udinski is gaining attention for his innovative strategies and ability to enhance player performance. According to Jonathan Jones from CBS Sports, he could be among the top candidates in the upcoming head coaching cycle.
The trend towards hiring young, dynamic coaches has been evident since the Los Angeles Rams appointed Sean McVay as head coach shortly before his 31st birthday in 2017. Teams are increasingly looking for fresh talent, particularly those who can create high-scoring offenses and energize their squads. Udinski, often described as a “rising star” by his current head coach, Liam Coen, fits this mold perfectly.
Udinski began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Baylor University in 2019, quickly moving to the NFL when he followed Matt Rhule to the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Although the Panthers experienced challenges under Rhule’s leadership, Udinski’s career gained momentum. He joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, where he served as assistant quarterbacks coach and later became assistant offensive coordinator.
His coaching tenure in Minnesota was highlighted by contributions to Kirk Cousins‘ successful seasons, even though one was hampered by injury. Additionally, he played a significant role in Sam Darnold‘s surprising performance during the 2024 season. This season, he has also been credited with aiding Trevor Lawrence‘s development as the Jaguars sit at 9-4, leading the AFC South.
Though the Jaguars’ overall success bolsters Udinski’s profile, Lawrence’s individual statistics remain modest compared to expectations. Nonetheless, the team’s achievements have kept Udinski’s name in the spotlight, especially as the pool of standout offensive-minded candidates appears limited for the 2026 coaching cycle.
While Udinski’s relative youth may raise concerns for some teams, particularly since he does not call plays—this responsibility lies with Coen—his growing reputation cannot be ignored. Jones notes that even if Udinski does not secure a head coaching role next year, he is likely to remain a prominent figure in coaching discussions, following a trend where he interviewed for offensive coordinator positions with five different franchises during the previous cycle.
As the NFL coaching landscape evolves, Grant Udinski’s potential ascent could represent a significant shift in how teams approach leadership on the field. His journey reflects a growing preference for younger, innovative minds in a league that continuously seeks to adapt and thrive.
