You have probably heard that reaching the top is not nearly as challenging as staying on top of it. The truth is that both scenarios come with their own set of challenges, as the Jacksonville Jaguars are soon to find out. In just his first season as the head coach, Liam Coen managed to win 13 games, the most since 1999, make the playoffs, and win the AFC South title. However you look at it, the 2025 season was a resounding success, but it could come at a price.
Other teams took notice of Coen's amazing turnaround, so it's not particularly surprising that other teams want to recreate his formula. To make it happen, a handful of clubs with head-coaching openings are setting their sights on both his coordinators.
Grant Udinksi, in particular, is drawing consideration for a couple of vacancies after playing a huge role in assembling one of the top offenses in the NFL. One team in particular is making a strong push to land him, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
The Browns are showing strong interest in Jaguars OC Grant Udinski
Grant Udinski is scheduled to interview for the vacancy with the Cleveland Browns on Friday, January 23rd. By the time you're reading this article, the meeting is either taking place or it has already happened. Either way, Jeremy Fowler posted on social media that their interest in Udinski is legit, adding that the Jaguars offensive coordinator and Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase are viable candidates for the job.
"Browns hosting Jaguars OC Grant Udinski today in Cleveland," Fowler wrote. "The expectation as of now is that Cleveland goes into next week with the search and definitely wants to speak with Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaase. But Udinski has his chance to impress in-person."
The Browns have faced several roadblocks in their head-coaching search after dismissing Kevin Stefanski. Jessee Minter withdrew his name from consideration for the vacancy and joined the Baltimore Ravens as their head coach. Similarly, Mike McDaniel pulled his name from the process and instead chose to become the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. This isn't great news for the Jaguars.
As other teams begin to fill their openings, Cleveland may have no choice but to make an aggressive effort to zero in on Udinski and make an offer he couldn't pass up. Sure, the Browns have several needs across the roster, nearly in every position group on offense, but the prospect of running his own team may be too good to pass up.
But even if the Browns don't hire Udinski, Jacksonville is still at risk of losing him because he'll also interview for the opening with the Buffalo Bills.
The Jaguars have options to replace Grant Udinski if he leaves
Losing Grant Udinksi will be inevitable at some point, but the Jaguars would surely want to keep him around for at least one more season in order to have a bit of continuity. Having said that, they have surely prepared for his departure.
In case Udinksi leaves, quarterbacks coach Spence Whipple and pass game coordinator Shane Waldron would be a couple of in-house candidates to replace him. Another option would be Nate Scheelhaase himself. During their search for an offensive coordinator in 2025, Scheelhaase was a candidate to get the job. Jacksonville could circle back to him if Udinski joins either the Browns or Buffalo.
If Grant Udinski leaves, the Jaguars will have no choice but to adjust. But such is life in the NFL. The good news is that they once found a brilliant mind to be their offensive coordinator, so they could do it again.