The Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator, Grant Udinski, is gaining attention as a potential head coach candidate in the upcoming hiring cycle. Although Udinski will not celebrate his 30th birthday until next month, reports from Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports suggest that teams in the NFL are increasingly interested in young, innovative coaches who can bring fresh ideas and energy to their franchises.
The trend for hiring younger coaches has been evident since the Los Angeles Rams appointed Sean McVay as head coach just days before his 31st birthday in 2017. Several teams have since sought similar profiles, looking for leaders who can foster high-scoring offenses and maintain competitive momentum. Udinski appears well-positioned to join this growing list of candidates.
Udinski’s Coaching Journey and Impact
Udinski began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Baylor University in 2019. He later followed Matt Rhule to the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Following a challenging period with the Panthers, Udinski transitioned to the Minnesota Vikings staff in 2022 under head coach Kevin O’Connell. His rapid ascent included roles as assistant quarterbacks coach and assistant offensive coordinator.
During his time in Minnesota, Udinski contributed to notable performances from quarterback Kirk Cousins, helping the team secure two solid seasons, although one was cut short by injury. Additionally, he played a significant role in quarterback Sam Darnold‘s unexpected success during the 2024 campaign. This season, he has also been credited with assisting Trevor Lawrence in his development, as the Jaguars currently lead the AFC South with a record of 9-4.
Despite the team’s overall success, Lawrence’s individual statistics have been somewhat unremarkable compared to his peers. Nonetheless, Udinski’s ability to support Lawrence’s growth has kept his profile rising within coaching circles.
Future Prospects and Considerations
As the head coaching carousel approaches, Udinski may face scrutiny due to his age and the fact that he does not call the plays for the Jaguars—this responsibility lies with head coach Liam Coen. While some teams may hesitate to hire a coach with limited experience, Udinski’s track record of developing young talent could outweigh these concerns.
In 2025, Udinski interviewed for offensive coordinator positions with five different teams, indicating that his name is already circulating among teams looking for fresh coaching talent. Should he not secure a head coaching role in 2026, it is likely that he will continue to feature in coaching discussions in subsequent years.
Udinski’s rise within the ranks reflects a broader trend in the NFL. As teams search for innovative minds to lead their offenses, promising young coaches like him are increasingly recognized as valuable assets capable of shaping the future of professional football.
