JACKSONVILLE – Expectations are part of the job now.
Grant Udinski is the Jaguars’ new offensive coordinator, hired recently by new Head Coach Liam Coen. It's a huge opportunity for a young, rising coach – and if there are raised expectations with the role, Udinski understands this and embraces it.
"That comes along with the excitement and it's the reason we're here," he said.
Udinski, officially hired February 5, joined senior writer John Oehser for this week's O-Zone Podcast. He discussed multiple topics, including what makes him look forward to working with Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
"It's the guy he is," Udinski said. "Whether you talk about the humility, how accountable he has been, the work ethic, the commitment, the focus … all of those things make it exciting for me and the rest of our staff to pour into that kind of person.
"Those are the guys that improve. Those are the guys that have the opportunity to get better and lead your team."
Udinski also discussed getting his first coordinator opportunity at age 29. After spending 2019-2020 as a coaching assistant with the Carolina Panthers, he spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings – and served as assistant offensive coordinator under Head Coach Kevin O'Connell in 2024.
"I don't know that I think about being ready in terms of age," Udinski said. "I've been unbelievably fortunate to be around really good people and have unique experiences – whether it's coaching on defense or spending time with Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota or my time in Carolina.
"It's more the experiences I've had that have brought me to this point. I can't control the number of my age, so it's not something I concern myself a ton with. I would say I take every measure possible to do everything I can to be prepared for whatever responsibility comes my way."
Udinski, too, talked about leading an offensive staff for the first time.
"It's about the group of guys on the offensive staff," he said. "It will be a transition in terms of my title. But I don't see it as too much of a transition in the sense of taking a leadership role. Whether you're dealing with players or coaches, it's still a collaborative process and we all have the same shared vision.
"Even though my title has changed, you're still working together with those guys. The hierarchy of who has the final say has changed a little bit, but that doesn't mean I all of a sudden become a dictator. It's a collaborative process."
And make no mistake: Udinski is ready for that responsibility – and very much likes the excitement and expectations surrounding what's going on around the Jaguars now.
"That's real and that's something you feel hopefully from everyone you come across on our coaching staff and I feel it with our players," Udinski said. "You appreciate the excitement and you appreciate the raised expectations.
"That's what makes this thin so fun and so excitement."
