While the Jacksonville Jaguars are getting ready to take on the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs, several teams are already in offseason mode. A handful of them have begun to make coaching moves, as the hiring cycle has commenced.
Some coaches will obviously have more demand than others, and both Jaguars coordinators could most definitely garner consideration. So far, neither has gotten interviews, but that could change in the upcoming days, as teams put together their wish lists.
Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, in particular, could be an intriguing candidate in spite of being on the job for just one season. And if he leaves, Jacksonville should most definitely pivot to one of the hottest free agents available.
The Jaguars need to target Kliff Kingsbury if they have an opening
The Washington Commanders parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after the regular season ended. The slip was a bit surprising because they managed to finish 12th in offensive success rate despite the fact that they missed quarterback Jaydan Daniels, tight end Zach Ertz, and wide receiver Terry McLauren for a good chunk of the season.
John Keim of ESPN reports Commanders head coach Dann Quinn wanted to run a more traditional offense that controled the clock and took pressure off the defense instead of Kingsbury's up-tempo scheme.
Similarly, insider Jordan Schultz broke the news that the Washington front office was meddling with the coaching staff on personnel. When you add it all up, it's not surprising that Kingsbury wanted out.
Kingsbury has coached the likes of Case Keenum, Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray, and, more recently, Daniels throughout a career that encompasses both the collegiate and NFL levels. His up-temp system would most definitely be great for Trevor Lawrence.
Of course, Kingsbury will be a hot commodity in the hiring cycle and will probably be vying for head-coaching gigs. But if he doesn't land one, Jacksonville would be an appealing destination, as long as it has a coordinator opening.
Related: Mina Kimes explains why the Jags will be a nightmare for playoff teams
Grant Udinski will probably stick around with the Jaguars
Of course, for the Jaguars to consider Kliff Kingsbury or any other candidate, for that matter, they'll have to have an opening. They don't currently have one, as Grant Udinski remains with them. And that's the thing, the first-year offensive coordinator has been dubbed a head-coaching candidate, but that hasn't materialized into interviews.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. If Udinski stays, and there's a strong chance that he will, he'll continue getting much-needed experience under Coen, and maybe in one or two years, his stock will soar.
Speaking of Coen, he's braced himself for the possibility of losing either of his coordinators, but it looks like he'll get to keep both of them. If either one leaves, though, he'll have no shortage of options to replace him, and if he needs to find a new offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury should be at the top of his list.