Bills Central

Bills' head coaching job remains possibility as Grant Udinski narrows options

While in contention for the Buffalo Bills' head coaching vacancy, Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator is reportedly considering only two options for 2026
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Nov 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It's beginning to look like it's either Buffalo or Jacksonville for Bills' head coaching candidate Grant Udinski.

The Buffalo Bills officially interviewed the 30-year-old Udinski on Championship Sunday as their search for Sean McDermott's successor continues.

On Monday morning, Udinski removed himself from consideration for the Cleveland Browns' head coaching vacancy per multiple reports from NFL insiders. As a result, it appears that he's narrowed his options to waiting on a potential offer from the Bills or returning to the Jaguars.

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"Udinski has a new deal in place with Jacksonville that will bump his pay for next season, but the Jaguars are allowing him to continue pursuing the Bills’ HC job. If Udinski doesn’t get the Buffalo job, he will be back with the Jaguars as OC," said NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero in an X post.

Who is Grant Udinski?

Udinski spent the 2025 season as the Jaguars' offensive coordinator under first-time head coach Liam Coen. He's considered a brilliant offensive mind, but his NFL track record is as limited as it gets with only one season as a play caller.

After one year as a graduate assistant for Baylor under head coach Matt Rhule in 2019, Udinski followed Rhule to the Carolina Panthers. He was a Panthers' coaching assistant for 2020 and 2021 before moving onto the Minnesota Vikings as a special assistant to head coach Kevin O'Connell.

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By multiple accounts, Udinski worked well with former Vikings' quarterback Sam Darnold, who has been a close friend of Josh Allen since before the 2018 NFL Draft.

Grant Udinski
Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

What's next for Bills' search?

The Bills interviewed Denver Broncos' pass game coordinator Davis Webb on Monday in a virtual setting.

Webb, who spent three seasons (2019-21) as a member of Buffalo's quarterback room, has coached three past three seasons under Sean Payton in Denver. He's reportedly scheduled to interview for the Las Vegas Raiders' opening next in what will be his second meeting with the team.

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Thus far, the Bills have extended interviews to nine candidates with only Mike McDaniel declining. In the meantime, Philip Rivers has pulled out of consideration.

There's no indication whether or not the Bills will interview Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. They're required to wait until after the Super Bowl for Kubiak.

Davis Webb, Josh Allen
Aug 21, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Davis Webb (left) talks with quarterback Josh Allen (17) during warmups before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. | Jon Durr-Imagn Images

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Ralph Ventre
RALPH VENTRE

Ralph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.