KEY POINT
- Grant Udinski removes himself from the Browns’ head coaching search.
- Udinski interviewed with the Buffalo Bills and remains a candidate while securing a new contract with Jacksonville.
- Cleveland’s coaching search shifts focus to other finalists following Udinski’s withdrawal.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching position and is instead focusing on the Buffalo Bills job, league sources told ESPN on Monday.
Udinski also finalized a new contract with the Jaguars, which includes a raise for the 2026 season if he is not hired as Buffalo’s head coach, sources said.
Udinski’s decision marks a significant development in the NFL coaching carousel ahead of the 2026 season.
The 30 year old coordinator had been considered a rising star in league coaching circles, and his withdrawal clarifies the leadership picture for both Cleveland and Buffalo.
Udinski joined the Jaguars as offensive coordinator in 2025 and played a key role in developing quarterback Trevor Lawrence, helping the team rank among the league’s top offensive units.
His rapid rise from assistant roles with the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings to a coordinator position in Jacksonville has made him one of the league’s most closely watched young coaches.
The Browns, meanwhile, have been actively searching for a new head coach to replace their previous regime.
Udinski’s withdrawal narrows the field, intensifying attention on the remaining finalists.
NFL analysts noted that Udinski’s move reflects strategic career planning among younger coaches.
Ben Volin, a national NFL analyst, said, “Udinski’s focus on Buffalo suggests he is weighing organizational stability and the quality of the quarterback situation, rather than simply seeking any head coaching role.”
Maurice Clarett, former NFL player and current analyst, added, “By securing a new contract with Jacksonville, Udinski gains both financial security and flexibility. It allows him to pursue opportunities without immediate risk to his career trajectory.”
Sources close to the Browns’ search indicated that Udinski’s withdrawal has intensified focus on other candidates, including Jim Schwartz, Todd Monken, and Nate Scheelhaase.
A league official familiar with Buffalo’s process, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Udinski’s offensive expertise and quarterback development skills make him a strong contender.
The Bills are continuing their search for a new head coach, with Udinski remaining a top candidate.
Should Buffalo select another candidate, Udinski will return to Jacksonville under the terms of his revised contract. Meanwhile, Cleveland is expected to proceed with its remaining finalists.
Grant Udinski’s decision to step away from the Browns’ head coaching search underscores the calculated moves of rising NFL coaches.
His ongoing candidacy for the Buffalo Bills role will shape the coaching landscape heading into the 2026 season, highlighting the importance of strategic fit and long-term planning in NFL leadership decisions.