The Cleveland Browns have requested to interview a young coach from the AFC South.
The Cleveland Browns are conducting a search for their next head coach after firing Kevin Stefanski earlier this offseason. The latest interview request the Browns have put in is for Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.
Udinski turned 30 on Monday and is a rising coaching candidate in the league. He worked under Kevin O'Connell with the Minnesota Vikings in the 2024 season, as the assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach, helping quarterback Sam Darnold have a career year.
In the 2024 season, Darnold completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 212 yards and a touchdown.
Udinski then went to Jacksonville, working under Liam Coen as the offensive coordinator. The Jaguars had a great season, going 13-4, with quarterback Trevor Lawrence having a career year.
Lawrence had a great 2025 season, completing 60.9 percent of his passes for 4,007 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He added 359 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Udinski is an intriguing coach to interview, as he's far less experienced than the other candidates but has a young, bright offensive mind.
If the Browns were to hire him, he would be the youngest head coach in the NFL by far, with New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore at 37 years old.
Udinski has shown promise as a coach, but with less experience than the other candidates, he'd need to interview well to secure the job.
Other candidates for the Browns include former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher.
General manager Andrew Berry and the Browns are taking a vast and expansive search as they look for their next head coach. Cleveland has one of the best defenses in the league, led by Myles Garrett.
The Browns also have a ton of young talent on their roster, and by picking the right head coach and having a good offseason, Cleveland could be set up for long-term success.
Udinski may not be ready for a head coaching job, but the Browns' request for an interview shows how far he has risen through the coaching ranks.