The Cleveland Browns continue their search for a head coach after ousting Kevin Stefanski. Grant Udinski is among the favorites to get the job in light of his success with the Jacksonville Jaguars last season.
Already, Udinski has met with the Browns twice. From an outside perspective, it's hard to tell if he's the frontrunner to become their next head coach. But even if he is, Cleveland wouldn't be able to hire him right away.
The Brown cannot hire Grant Udinski yet because of the Rooney Rule
Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com pointed out on Twitter that the Browns cannot hire Grant Udinski because they have yet to comply with the Rooney Rule. They'll fulfill it once they interview Rams passing game coordinator Scheelhaase Monday, January 26.
Teams need to interview at least two minority candidates to satisfy the Rooney Rule. Mike McDaniel was scheduled to meet with the Browns but pulled his name from consideration. Had the interview gone as planned, Cleveland would have fulfilled the rule after talking to Scheelhaase.
Aside from Scheelhaase and Udinski, former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz are also in play for the vacancy.
Udinski is also slated to meet with the Buffalo Bills for their head-coaching vacancy on Sunday, so even if doesn't get the Cleveland gig, there's still a chance he could leave the Jaguars.
In his first year with the Jags, Udinski played a role in turning the offense into one of the most productive in the league. With him at the helm, Jacksonville ranked sixth in points scored and 11th in total yards. Moreover, Trevor Lawrence set a new personal record for touchdowns in a season with 39 and is a finalist for the 2025 NFL MVP award.
Related: Liam Coen is getting the recognition he deserves for his success with the Jags
The Jaguars know they could lose Grant Udinski to the Bills or the Browns
Grant Udinski appears to be the talk of the town in this hiring cycle. Although he's only coached in the NFL for six seasons, he's seen as a rising star through the ranks. Just a couple of years ago, he was the assistant head coach with the Minnesota Vikings.
Moreover, Udinski's work with Trevor Lawrence and Sam Darnold is garnering glowing reviews across the league. Both quarterbacks struggled in the past but thrived under his tutelage.
Not surprisingly, Udinski is drawing consideration for head-coaching jobs. Granted, neither the Bills nor Cleveland appears to be an appealing destination because of their roster needs or management. That said, the prospect of leading his own team could be enough to lure Udinski. Heck, if anyone could manage to get either team going, it would be him.
The Jaguars are surely paying close attention to how things are unfolding. At this moment, Grant Udinski seems to have a favorable chance to get a coaching gig with either Buffalo or the Browns. On the other hand, returning to Jacksonville shouldn't be ruled out.