The Jacksonville Jaguars are starting to finalize some of their more pivotal hires as they try to build an elite coaching staff for Liam Coen. Considering that he was a college offensive coordinator just a few years ago, surrounding him with solid assistants is critical if he is to have any success.
The team has confirmed that 29-year-old whiz kid and former Minnesota Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski will be the team's offensive coordinator, while Green Bay Packers linebackers coach Anthony Campinale will take on defensive coordinator responsibilities.
Coen threw another bone to a Sean McVay disciple, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN confirmed that former Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is likely coming to Duval County in a passing game coordinator role.
Considering how bad Waldron was during his final season in Seattle and his lone season with the Bears, it seems like a major risk to bring someone as radioactive as he is on board. However, in a more limited and less important role, Waldron might be able to prove himself as a solid assistant again.
Jaguars taking big risk by bringing Shane Waldron to offensive staff
Waldron was getting some possible head coach buzz once upon a time, as he was the next McVay assistant in line for success after spending three years as the pass game coordinator. Waldron was eventually named Seahawks OC in 2021, but was not retained after Pete Carroll was fired.
Waldron started off strong in Seattle, but he regressed in 2023. Waldron's trip to Chicago was an utter nightmare. Not only was he fired after nine games, but his inability to run the ball, unwillingness to use Caleb Williams' strong arm down the field, and puzzling play-calls made this a thoroughly unpleasant experience.
Waldron is not going to be in a position to impact the offense. This will be Coen's scheme, and he will likely be calling plays. Udinski, who was a hot OC name despite his age and relative lack of experience, will also be trusted to handle more impactful offensive decisions. Waldron could get back to his play-designing roots in this new role.
While it might be easy to rip the Jags for this hire, the fact that he isn't going to have his hands near a play sheet is encouraging. This is still Coen's offense, and Waldron should be nothing more than a sounding board for him to bounce ideas off.