Browns Push Forward in Coaching Search With Grant Udinski's Second Interview
Browns Advance Coaching Search with Udinski's Second Interview
The Cleveland Browns have wrapped up their second head coach interview with Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, signaling serious interest in the young tactician. Udinski, who first met with the team on January 17, impressed enough to earn this follow-up session, as confirmed by official team announcements. At just 30 years old, the rising star brings fresh energy to a franchise hungry for offensive revival amid quarterback debates and roster tweaks.[5][4]
Udinski's Rise and Offensive Vision
Udinski's rapid ascent in Jacksonville highlights his knack for uniting veterans and rookies under a collaborative scheme. He emphasizes teamwork across units, downplaying age barriers in high-stakes environments. Fans buzz about his potential to ignite Cleveland's attack, especially with discussions swirling around quarterback futures like Shedeur Sanders. Yet, skeptics question if his youth fits a team needing proven stability.[4][1][3]
What This Means for Browns Fans
As the search intensifies, Udinski represents bold innovation against defensive-minded alternatives. The Browns' thorough process—despite external perceptions of messiness—aims to avoid past pitfalls. A hire here could reshape cap strategies, drafts, and playoff pushes, chasing elusive success without overpressing.[2][1] Excitement builds for the next move.
About the People Mentioned
Grant Udinski
Grant Andrew Udinski (born January 12, 1996) is an American professional football coach and former college player, currently serving as the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL.[1][2] Born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, he excelled at Central Bucks High School West, earning all-conference honors in football and lacrosse as a two-time all-conference player, while also captaining the Bucks County North All-Star team.[1][3] Udinski began college football at Davidson as a freshman tight end in 2014, recording one reception for 10 yards in 10 games.[1][3] He transferred to Towson University, switching to defensive end, where he played from 2017-2018, amassing 43 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and six quarterback hurries over two seasons, earning CoSIDA Academic All-American honors with a 3.94 GPA.[1][5] After graduating in 2018, Udinski launched his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019 under Matt Rhule, aiding an 11-3 season and Big 12 Championship Game appearance despite initially living in his car.[1][4] He joined the NFL in 2020 as a coaching assistant with the Carolina Panthers for two seasons (5-12 and 5-11 records).[2][7] In 2022, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell hired him as assistant to the head coach/special projects, praising his "unbelievable" football understanding.[1][4] Promotions followed: assistant quarterbacks coach/chief of special projects in 2023 (7-10 record), and assistant offensive coordinator/assistant quarterbacks coach in 2024 (14-3 record), where he mentored QBs like Sam Darnold to a Pro Bowl season with 4,319 yards, 35 TDs, and a 102.5 rating.[2][4] Hired by the Jaguars on February 5, 2025, as offensive coordinator, Udinski led a 13-4 regular season and playoffs (0-1), guiding QB Trevor Lawrence to 4,007 yards and 29 TDs.[2][4][8] At 29 during his rise, he is viewed as a top young coaching talent.[8]
Shedeur Sanders
Shedeur Sanders is a prominent American football player, born on February 7, 2002, in Tyler, Texas. He is the son of Deion Sanders, a legendary NFL player and coach. Shedeur began his collegiate career at Jackson State University, where he played under his father's leadership. During his time at Jackson State, he achieved significant success, leading the team to two Celebration Bowl appearances and earning numerous awards, including the Jerry Rice Award in 2021 and the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year award in 2022[5][8]. In 2023, Shedeur transferred to the University of Colorado, where his father had become the head coach. He immediately became the starting quarterback, leading the Buffaloes to notable victories and setting multiple school records. His accomplishments at Colorado included being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 and winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award that same year[1][2][8]. He finished his collegiate career with impressive statistics, including a record-breaking 4,134 passing yards in a single season at Colorado[2]. Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL draft, marking a significant milestone in his professional career. He signed a four-year contract with the Browns worth $4.6 million[7]. Beyond football, Shedeur has also explored his creative side, releasing a hip-hop song titled "Perfect Timing" in 2024[7]. His brother, Shilo Sanders, also plays football and was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the 2025 NFL draft[7]. Shedeur's achievements and dedication have established him as a talented and influential figure in the football world.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Cleveland Browns
The **Cleveland Browns** are a professional American football team based in Cleveland, Ohio, competing in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) North division. Founded in 1944 by businessman Arthur B. "Mickey" McBride and coach Paul Brown, the Browns began play in 1946 in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC), where they dominated by winning all four league championships before the AAFC folded in 1949. The team then joined the NFL and maintained early dominance, reaching the NFL championship game every year from 1950 to 1955 and winning three titles during that period[2][3]. Named after their first coach Paul Brown, who is considered a pioneer of modern football, the Browns built a legacy of success with legendary players such as Jim Brown, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. The franchise won a total of eight league titles (including AAFC and NFL championships) and 18 division trophies in its early decades, making it one of professional football’s dynasties[1][7]. Ownership shifted several times, notably to Art Modell in 1961, who controversially fired Paul Brown in 1963. The team won its last NFL championship in 1964 but struggled to reach the Super Bowl despite multiple AFC Championship game appearances in the 1980s under quarterback Bernie Kosar[2][3]. The Browns faced a major upheaval when Modell relocated the franchise to Baltimore in 1996, causing the team to be temporarily deactivated until it was reactivated as an expansion franchise in 1999[4]. Since their revival, the Browns have struggled with consistency and performance, often ranking among the NFL’s weaker teams. However, recent seasons have shown improvement, including a playoff win in 2020—their first since 1994. The team plays home games at FirstEnergy Stadium and is currently owned by Jimmy and Dee Hasla
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, competing in the South Division of the American Football Conference (AFC) within the National Football League (NFL). Established in 1995, the Jaguars are one of the league's more recent franchises, known for their distinctive black, teal, and gold colors[8]. The team plays its home games at EverBank Stadium, which has a capacity of 67,814 and features Bermuda Grass[6]. ## History and Achievements The Jaguars made a significant impact early on, becoming the fastest expansion team to reach the playoffs. They experienced notable success in their first five years, including a remarkable record in their inaugural season when they finished 4-4 against their AFC Central rivals[6]. The franchise has had its share of ups and downs, with a resurgence under coach Doug Marrone in 2017. Notable players include Hall of Famers Tony Boselli and Fred Taylor, who played pivotal roles in the team's early success[8]. ## Current Status Currently, the Jaguars are led by Head Coach Doug Pederson and are owned by Shahid Khan[2]. The team is performing well, with a current record of 4-2 and standing second in the AFC South[1][4]. The Jaguars have been actively involved in developing their roster, with recent draft picks aimed at strengthening their defense and special teams[4]. ## Notable Aspects The Jaguars are part of a $1.4 billion investment in a new, futuristic stadium set to open in 2028, ensuring the team's presence in Jacksonville for years to come[2]. The team's training facilities and staff have received mixed reviews, with high marks for their weight room equipment but lower ratings for the training staff and travel schedule[5]. Despite these challenges, the Jaguars remain a vibrant part of the NFL landscape, contributing to the rich football culture in Jacksonville.
