The Jacksonville Jaguars may have pulled off the most significant defensive stop of their offseason, and it didn’t happen on the grid. They appeared to have secured a “conditional yes” from Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski. He’s the architect behind the Jaguars’ surging offense, and you’re kidding if you think they will let him go. 

While he has removed his name from the Browns’ consideration, Jacksonville is reportedly offering him a lucrative deal to retain him for next season.

“Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has informed the Browns that he is removing himself from consideration for their head coach position, per source,” reported Tom Pelissero on X. “Udinski has a new deal in place with Jacksonville that will bump his pay for next season, but the Jaguars are allowing him to continue pursuing the Bills’ HC job.”

“If Udinski doesn’t get the Buffalo job, he will be back with the Jaguars as OC,” he added.

The timing is a bitter pill for the Browns to swallow. Udinski was among the finalists for the position after taking a second interview with them in-person. But with him bowing out, Cleveland’s search to find the right man to command Shedeur Sanders and company is sent back into a tailspin. 

Udinski is the third high-profile name to leave Cleveland on “read.” Mike McDaniel, who has committed to the Chargers’ OC position, pivoted away from the shores of Lake Erie. He, too, was slated for a second interview with the team this past Wednesday, but chose to decline at the eleventh hour. 

Ever since they parted ways with Kevin Stefanski, who quickly landed on his feet with the Atlanta Falcons, the Browns’ quest for a successor has been riddled with obstacles. Having started among the 10 teams with vacancies, the Browns are now one of the only four teams left without a captain at the helm. 

Meanwhile, Jacksonville has almost succeeded in keeping the 30-year-old coach. Under head coach Liam Coen’s regime, Udinski became a crucial asset for an offense that caught fire late in the year. The Jaguars finished their ‘25 campaign on an impressive eight-game winning streak, clinching the AFC South with a 13-4 record. 

But they still have a Buffalo obstacle to officially retain Udinski. 

Why Josh Allen might prefer Grant Udinski

While the Jaguars OC doesn’t have a direct tie to the Bills, like Philip Rivers or Brian Daboll, he’s still a legitimate contender. Thanks to his work with Sam Darnold in the Minnesota Vikings in ‘24 – the year the quarterback’s prowess was discovered. 

Udinski worked closely with Darnold. Interestingly, Darnold shares a close bond with Josh Allen, who’s been sitting in on the Bills’ head coach interviews. If word-of-mouth carries weight, Udinski does have an edge. 

Top Stories

Prayers Pour In as Cowboys Legend Scott Laidlaw Passes Away at 72

Natural Disaster Strikes San Francisco Just Hours After Sam Darnold, Drake Maye & Co. Arrives for Super Bowl LX

Amid Patrick Mahomes’ Injury Struggle, Saints QB Officially Announces Signing For Chiefs

Sean McVay Shares Update on Matthew Stafford’s Retirement After Sending Message to Rams QB

NFL Launches Investigation on Giants Owner Mentioned In Epstein Files Amid Russell Wilson Links

On Sunday, the Bills officially announced their interview with Udinski. Though he did not call plays in Jacksonville (a duty handled by Liam Coen), his meteoric rise from a Towson defensive end to a top-tier coordinator in just six years speaks volumes.

While his age may seem like a factor, as he was still playing college ball when Allen was an NFL rookie, Udinski has something rare: Attention to detail. 

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Darnold’s endorsement might become the ultimate seal of approval for Udinski.

Whether he stays in Jacksonville or takes the leap to Buffalo, one thing is certain: Udinski has officially outgrown Cleveland.