The Cleveland Browns are advancing their head coaching search into a critical second phase, and one of the most intriguing names on their list is Grant Udinski. The Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator, who celebrated his 30th birthday just last week, has secured a second interview with the franchise as they look to fill the void left by Kevin Stefanski's departure to the Atlanta Falcons. This development places Udinski among a select group of finalists vying for one of the most scrutinized positions in professional football.
Udinski's journey to this point represents one of the most rapid ascents in recent NFL coaching history. His story began with humble origins that would test the resolve of even the most determined professionals. Before breaking into the league, Udinski found himself in a precarious situation, literally living out of his car for a week while pursuing his coaching dreams. This period of hardship preceded his acceptance of a graduate assistant position at Baylor University in 2019, a move that would serve as the foundation for his meteoric rise through the coaching ranks. Such perseverance has become part of his narrative, demonstrating a level of commitment that resonates with players and executives alike.
In just six short years, Udinski has transformed from an aspiring coach sleeping in his vehicle to one of the NFL's most respected offensive minds. His impact on quarterback development has become particularly noteworthy. League insiders point to his instrumental role in Sam Darnold's resurgence during their time together with the Minnesota Vikings as evidence of his coaching acumen. More recently, his work with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville has drawn widespread praise, with the former first overall pick throwing for a career-high number of touchdowns in his fifth season under Udinski's guidance. This track record of elevating quarterback performance suggests a specialized skill set that modern NFL franchises increasingly value.
The Browns' general manager Andrew Berry is orchestrating this comprehensive coaching search, having promised to cast a wide net in finding Stefanski's successor. Berry's approach reflects a desire to explore all options, from seasoned veterans to young innovators like Udinski. Interestingly, Berry made a claim during the search process that the Browns were the only team to interview Stefanski back in 2019 and 2020, though this statement requires some clarification. While Cleveland certainly showed early interest, Stefanski did interview with the Carolina Panthers during that cycle as well. This minor discrepancy notwithstanding, Berry appears unconcerned about being the sole franchise pursuing Udinski this time around, suggesting the organization sees unique value in the young coordinator that other teams might be overlooking.
Udinski's youth—he's barely entered his fourth decade—makes his advancement to the second round of interviews particularly remarkable. In a league where head coaching positions typically go to candidates with decades of experience, his presence among the finalists signals a potential shift in how teams evaluate leadership potential. The Browns are clearly willing to bet on upside and innovative thinking over traditional credentials. This trend reflects a broader movement across the NFL, where organizations are increasingly willing to take calculated risks on young offensive minds who can connect with modern players and adapt to the league's evolving strategic landscape.
However, Udinski faces stiff competition from a diverse field of candidates that spans multiple generations and coaching philosophies. On Monday, the Browns will conduct their second interview with Jim Schwartz, the team's own defensive coordinator. At 59 years old, Schwartz represents the polar opposite of Udinski in terms of experience. He previously served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2009 to 2013, amassing a 29-51 record over five seasons. Since leaving Detroit, Schwartz has worked exclusively as a defensive coordinator or assistant, rebuilding his reputation as one of the league's top defensive minds and positioning himself for another shot at a head coaching role.
Schwartz's candidacy has received significant internal support, with key defensive stars like cornerback Denzel Ward and defensive end Myles Garrett reportedly offering strong endorsements. Having a defensive coordinator with established relationships with cornerstone players could provide stability during a transitional period. His extensive NFL experience—spanning multiple decades and coaching cycles—offers a stark contrast to Udinski's relatively brief tenure in the league. For a Browns team that has struggled with defensive consistency, Schwartz's ability to maximize the talent of elite defenders presents a compelling case.
Another offensive-minded candidate in the mix is Todd Monken, the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator. Monken's connection to Cleveland adds an interesting layer to his candidacy, as he previously worked for the Browns during the tumultuous 2019 season under Freddie Kitchens. That year ended disastrously for Cleveland, though Monken's individual performance wasn't necessarily the issue. Despite his extensive offensive background, Monken has never secured an NFL head coaching position. He was widely expected to follow John Harbaugh to the New York Giants if Harbaugh accepted their head coaching vacancy, but the Browns could potentially disrupt those plans by offering Monken the top job in Cleveland. His familiarity with the organization, combined with his success in Baltimore's high-powered offense, makes him a pragmatic choice.
The search also includes Mike McDaniel, the former Miami Dolphins head coach who will have his second interview on Wednesday. McDaniel's connection to the Browns dates back to 2014 when he served as the team's wide receivers coach. Since then, he's developed a strong reputation around the league, earning a head coaching opportunity in Miami where he spent four seasons before being dismissed. Key members of Cleveland's organization have long admired McDaniel's offensive creativity and leadership style, making him a logical candidate for a return engagement. His experience as a former head coach, even with a mixed record, provides valuable perspective that Udinski lacks.
What makes this search particularly fascinating is the breadth of options Cleveland is considering. The candidates range from a 30-year-old prodigy in Udinski to a 59-year-old veteran in Schwartz, with various levels of head coaching experience between them. This diversity suggests the Browns are prioritizing fit and vision over any single demographic or experience profile. In today's NFL, where offensive innovation often separates contenders from pretenders, the organization must weigh the benefits of youthful creativity against the stability of proven leadership.
The timing of these second interviews indicates the Browns are moving deliberately but efficiently. With the Falcons having already secured Stefanski, Cleveland can focus entirely on their own process without competition for their former coach. The organization appears committed to a thorough evaluation, giving each serious candidate multiple opportunities to present their vision for the franchise's future. This methodical approach is crucial, as the AFC North remains one of the league's most competitive divisions, featuring established powers like the Baltimore Ravens and emerging threats like the Cincinnati Bengals.
For Udinski specifically, reaching this stage validates the respect he's garnered despite his limited years in the league. His ability to connect with quarterbacks and generate offensive production has clearly caught Berry's attention. The three-hour initial interview last week suggests the Browns came away impressed and wanting to dig deeper into his philosophies on team-building, game management, and leadership. These extended conversations allow both parties to move beyond surface-level discussions and explore the substantive vision required to lead an NFL franchise.
The second interview will likely take place at the Browns' facility in Berea, Ohio, giving Udinski a chance to tour the facilities and meet more members of the organization. These meetings often involve more detailed discussions about roster construction, staff assembly, and strategic vision. For a young candidate like Udinski, it's also an opportunity to demonstrate maturity beyond his years and articulate how he would command respect from players who might be older than he is. The ability to lead men who are peers in age or even older represents one of the unique challenges facing young coaches in professional sports.
As the Browns continue their search, the NFL coaching carousel spins on, with each decision creating ripple effects throughout the league. Should Cleveland ultimately choose Udinski, they would be making a bold statement about valuing innovation and potential over traditional credentials. If they opt for Schwartz, they'd be prioritizing experience and defensive stability. A Monken hire would bring back a familiar face with offensive expertise, while McDaniel would represent a reunion with a coach who knows the organization but has grown significantly since his first stint.
The coming days will be crucial as these second interviews unfold and the Browns move closer to a decision that will shape the franchise's direction for years to come. With candidates spanning different generations, philosophies, and experience levels, Cleveland's choice will reveal much about their organizational priorities and their vision for competing in an increasingly competitive AFC North. The franchise finds itself at a crossroads, needing to balance the immediate pressure to win with the long-term stability that has eluded them for decades.