Browns Interview Young Coach Grant Udinski for Head Position

The Cleveland Browns recently interviewed Grant Udinski for the head coaching position, a significant move given his youth and impressive coaching trajectory. Udinski, born on January 12, 1996, is just two weeks younger than Myles Garrett, who set a new record for sacks in a season. This age distinction may seem trivial, but it highlights the Browns’ willingness to consider a candidate who represents a new wave of coaching talent.

The interview, conducted by general manager Andrew Berry on January 17, 2024, comes after the dismissal of Kevin Stefanski, who led the team for four seasons but faced inconsistent performance, with records of 11-5, 8-9, 7-10, 11-6, 3-14, and 5-12. Udinski, currently the offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has gained recognition as one of the league’s promising young coaches. If chosen, he would become the youngest head coach in NFL history.

Udinski’s coaching journey began in 2019 as a graduate assistant at Baylor University. Initially facing hardships, he once slept in his car in a Wal-Mart parking lot until he was taken in by Phil Snow, the assistant defensive coordinator at Baylor. This early struggle has shaped his resilience and determination in the highly competitive field of football coaching.

His career gained momentum when he joined the Carolina Panthers coaching staff in 2020 under head coach Matt Rhule. Reflecting on his rapid ascent, Udinski noted, “It’s pretty crazy to think about where I was last year, considering where I am now,” as he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received.

By 2022, Udinski was part of the Minnesota Vikings, first as assistant head coach for special projects and later as assistant quarterbacks coach. His promotion to assistant offensive coordinator in 2024 showcased his growing influence within the game.

The Jaguars’ decision to hire Udinski as their offensive coordinator under head coach Liam Coen has proven beneficial. The team’s performance improved dramatically, going from a 4-13 record in 2024 to winning the AFC South with a 13-4 record in 2025. Their points scored jumped from 311 to 474, while the Browns managed only 279 points during the same period.

As the Browns consider Udinski, Berry must evaluate the impact of both Coen and Udinski on the Jaguars’ success. Taking on the head coach role in Cleveland would present a new level of pressure for Udinski, marking a significant shift from his previous roles.

Udinski is among several candidates interviewed for the position, including Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, Dan Pitcher from the Cincinnati Bengals, Todd Monken of the Baltimore Ravens, and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Additionally, defensive coordinators Jim Schwartz, Aden Guhde from the Seattle Seahawks, and Jesse Minter of the Los Angeles Chargers have also been part of the interview process. Schwartz is scheduled for a second interview on January 19.

The Browns face a critical decision as they seek to revitalize their franchise. Choosing Udinski could signal a commitment to innovation and a fresh approach, potentially leading to a new era of success for the team.