Grant Udinski of the Vikings is hired by the Jaguars to be their next offensive coordinator.

In a move that has taken the NFL world by surprise, Grant Udinski, the Minnesota Vikings’ longtime offensive assistant, has been hired as the new offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Udinski’s hiring marks a significant shift in the philosophy of the Jaguars’ offense, as the team seeks to build upon its promising foundation and take the next step toward contention in the AFC.

While Udinski has spent the majority of his career under the radar, his promotion to one of the NFL’s most coveted offensive coordinator positions reflects his growing reputation as a rising star in coaching. The Jaguars, under head coach Doug Pederson, have steadily improved over the past few seasons, but a boost in offensive efficiency is still needed to turn the team into a true Super Bowl contender. With Udinski at the helm, the Jaguars are hopeful they have found the offensive mind that can unlock the full potential of their roster, particularly Trevor Lawrence, their franchise quarterback.

This piece will break down why the Jaguars made this bold move, what Udinski brings to the table, and what his hiring means for the future of Jacksonville’s offense.

Why the Jaguars Made This Move

The Jacksonville Jaguars have shown tremendous growth since Pederson took over as head coach, particularly in the 2023 season. With a new direction under a Super Bowl-winning coach, the Jaguars made significant strides, including a playoff appearance. The team’s offense, however, has been inconsistent at times. While Trevor Lawrence demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly in big games, the team’s offensive output lacked consistency. Much of this inconsistency can be attributed to a need for better play-calling and offensive design.

The hiring of Grant Udinski comes at a critical juncture for the franchise. The Jaguars’ offensive struggles, especially in the middle of games and during important moments, have led to some questions about their long-term direction on that side of the ball. With a talented quarterback in Lawrence and a solid group of skill players, including Travis Etienne Jr. and Christian Kirk, the offense has not quite lived up to expectations. With a new offensive coordinator in place, the Jaguars are hoping to unlock the full potential of their offensive weapons and lead the team to sustained success.

Udinski’s hiring signals that the Jaguars are aiming to build a more dynamic and efficient offense that can compete at the highest levels. His track record of working with high-powered offenses in Minnesota and his development of quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins make him an intriguing choice for Jacksonville. Udinski’s style is rooted in a balanced offensive attack that emphasizes both the running game and passing game, utilizing misdirection, play-action, and high-percentage throws. For a team like the Jaguars that has plenty of talent but has yet to truly establish a coherent offensive identity, Udinski represents a clear path forward.

The Grant Udinski Background: A Rising Star in the NFL Coaching Ranks

Although Grant Udinski may not be as well-known as some of his peers in the NFL coaching ranks, his rise to prominence has been both impressive and earned. Starting as an assistant with the Minnesota Vikings several years ago, Udinski quickly established himself as a coach who could get the best out of his players. His coaching style emphasized discipline, efficiency, and a balanced offensive attack.

Udinski’s career trajectory took off during his time working with Kirk Cousins and the Vikings’ offense. His ability to help Cousins become one of the more consistent quarterbacks in the league—particularly in the later stages of Cousins’ career—was a testament to Udinski’s understanding of the quarterback position. Under Udinski’s tutelage, the Vikings offense grew increasingly efficient, particularly in the red zone and in crucial late-game situations.

Udinski’s success in Minnesota was driven by his emphasis on the fundamentals: protecting the quarterback, controlling the clock, and establishing a balanced run-pass attack. His scheme was designed to put the quarterback in comfortable situations where quick reads and rhythm-based passing were essential. This approach helped create an offense that was capable of moving the ball efficiently while minimizing mistakes. Although the Vikings’ offense did not always operate at the level of elite units, Udinski’s coaching was a key factor in keeping the team competitive year in and year out.

The fact that Udinski has been brought in by a team like the Jaguars—who are still in the midst of their rebuild—speaks volumes about his reputation around the league. Pederson and his staff are confident that Udinski can bring that same level of efficiency and balance to Jacksonville, a team with a strong foundation but still in need of more offensive firepower.

What Grant Udinski Brings to the Jacksonville Jaguars

When it comes to offensive philosophy, Grant Udinski will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Jaguars. His time with the Vikings has taught him how to make the most of both a talented quarterback and an offense that has the potential to be dynamic. Below are several aspects of Udinski’s coaching style that will benefit the Jaguars:

1. Quarterback Development
The biggest challenge for any offensive coordinator is to develop and maximize the potential of their quarterback. Trevor Lawrence has shown great promise since being drafted by the Jaguars, but like most young quarterbacks, his development has had its ups and downs. With Udinski’s experience in working with Kirk Cousins, he will know exactly how to get the most out of Lawrence, allowing him to thrive in both the short and long-term.

Udinski is known for his ability to design an offense that plays to a quarterback’s strengths. Lawrence, with his strong arm and ability to make plays outside the pocket, will be able to work within a system that maximizes those strengths. In particular, Udinski will look to implement more play-action concepts, where Lawrence can make quick reads and move the ball with accuracy. Additionally, Udinski’s ability to install a system that promotes quick decision-making and high-percentage throws will help Lawrence improve his overall consistency.

2. A Balanced Attack
Udinski’s offensive philosophy emphasizes balance, and this is an important development for the Jaguars. Travis Etienne Jr., a dynamic running back, is a cornerstone of the offense, and his talents will be better utilized in a system that consistently emphasizes the running game. By creating more balance between the run and the pass, Udinski can ensure that defenses are kept on their toes, making it difficult for them to game-plan for any one aspect of the offense.

While Lawrence’s arm talent is a big part of his potential, Udinski will know how to integrate the running game to help open up passing lanes. This balanced approach will keep defensive fronts honest and give the Jaguars the versatility they need to succeed in all areas of the game.

3. Efficient Play Calling in Key Moments
One of the issues with the Jaguars’ offense in recent years has been a lack of execution in critical situations. Whether it’s a third down, red zone opportunity, or two-minute drill, the Jaguars have struggled to put games away in crucial moments. Udinski has experience working with an offense that operates well in these scenarios. Under his guidance, the Vikings were consistently among the league’s top teams in both red zone efficiency and late-game execution.

For a young team like the Jaguars, this is crucial. Having an offensive coordinator who can dial up plays that result in positive yardage during high-pressure moments is a game-changer. Whether it’s a quick throw to a running back in the flat or a well-designed bootleg pass to Lawrence, Udinski’s play-calling will help the Jaguars take their offense to the next level.

4. Coaching Experience and Leadership
Beyond his X’s and O’s expertise, Udinski brings a strong sense of leadership to Jacksonville. Players respond to his calm demeanor and his ability to communicate effectively with every member of the offense. His reputation as a teacher is well-earned, and he will be tasked with bringing out the best in every offensive player, from the starting quarterback to the backup linemen.

What Does This Mean for the Jaguars’ Future?

Udinski’s hiring is not just about one individual’s growth; it signals the next phase of the Jaguars’ rebuild under Doug Pederson. The team has spent several years building a young, dynamic roster, and now it is time to take that talent and turn it into consistent success on the field.

With Grant Udinski as the offensive coordinator, the Jaguars are investing in an offense that has the potential to be one of the most well-balanced and dynamic units in the league. With a more efficient offense and an improved Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars will have the foundation they need to compete with the best teams in the AFC. This move also shows that the franchise is serious about competing for championships in the near future. Udinski’s appointment is just the beginning, but it is a key step toward the team’s eventual ascension to contender status.

In conclusion, Grant Udinski’s hiring as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ new offensive coordinator represents a new era of offensive football in Jacksonville. His expertise, leadership, and philosophy align perfectly with the team’s needs as they look to turn their potential into reality. If he can develop Trevor Lawrence into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks and get the most out of the talented supporting cast, the Jaguars will be poised for sustained success in the years to come.