The Jacksonville Jaguars may have pulled off the most significant defensive stop of their offseason, and it didn’t happen on the grid. They appeared to have secured a “conditional yes” from Offensive Coordinator Grand Udinski. He’s the architect behind the Jaguars’ surging offense; you’re kidding if you think they will let him go. 

And looks like Udinski is staying put. He has removed his name from consideration. Reason? Jacksonville is bestowing a lucrative bump in his pay, retaining him for next season.

“Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has informed the Browns that he is removing himself from consideration for their head coach position, per source,” reported Tom Pelissero on X. 

Udinski has quit only Cleveland, as his current team is still allowing him to interview with Buffalo for the “crown jewel” job of head coach. If he doesn’t land that, he will be returning in Jaguars. 

The timing is a bitter pill for the Browns to swallow. Udinski was among the finalists for the position after taking a second interview with them, that too in-person. But with him bowing out, Cleveland’s search to find the right man to command Shedeur Sanders and company is sent back into a tailspin. 

Udinski is the third high-profile name to leave Cleveland on “read.” Mike McDaniel, who has committed to the Chargers’ OC position, pivoted away from the shores of Lake Erie. He, too, was slated for a second interview with the team this past Wednesday but chose to decline at the eleventh hour. 

Ever since they parted ways with Kevin Stefanski, who quickly landed on his feet with the Atlanta Falcons, the Browns’ quest for a successor has been riddled with obstacles. Started among 10 teams with vacancies, the Browns are now one of the only four teams left without a captain at the helm. 

Meanwhile, Jacksonville has almost succeeded in keeping the 30-year-old coach. Under head coach Liam Coen’s regime, Udinski became a crucial asset for an offense that caught fire late in the year. The Jaguars finished their ‘25 campaign on an impressive eight-game winning streak, clinching the AFC South with a 13-4 record. 

But they still have a Buffalo obstacle to officially retain Udinski. 

Why Josh Allen might prefer Grant Udinski

While Jaguars OC doesn’t have a direct tie to the Bills, like Philip Rivers or Brian Daboll, he’s still a legitimate contender. Thanks to his work with Sam Darnold in the Minnesota Vikings in ‘24 — the year the quarterback’s prowess was discovered. 

Udinski worked closely with Darnold. Interestingly, Darnold shares a close bond with Josh Allen, who’s been sitting in on the Bills’ head coach interviews. If word-of-mouth carries weight, Udinski does have an edge. 

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On Sunday, the Bills officially announced their interview with Udinski. Though he did not call plays in Jacksonville (a duty handled by Liam Coen), his meteoric rise from a Towson defensive end to a top-tier coordinator in just six years speaks volumes.

While his age may seem like a factor, as he was still playing college ball when Allen was an NFL rookie, Udinski has something rare. An Attention to detail. 

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Darnold’s endorsement might become the ultimate seal of approval for Udinski.

Whether he stays in Jacksonville or takes the leap to Buffalo, one thing is certain: Udinski has officially outgrown Cleveland.