Jaguars HC Liam Coen on what stood out about Grant Udinski

USA Today

25-02-2025

At the 2025 NFL combine on Tuesday, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen was asked about offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and what stood out about him in the hiring process.
'Grant's a guy that I've followed now for the last few years,' said Coen. 'Obviously being very close with Kevin (O'Connell) and that process, understanding that it's a similar process, the way that we do things, the way that we want to operate, the things that we're looking for throughout the work week, and getting ahead of those things.'
There's a very similar mindset and coaching philosophy between Coen and Udinski that stands out when the two speak. Both have echoed the importance of building the offense around Trevor Lawrence, the need for being multiple on that side of the ball, as well as the mantra 'players not plays.'
That overlap is likely rooted in their past coaching experiences. While neither Coen nor Udinski had previously worked together, their coaching ideologies both stem from Sean McVay and the Rams' offense.
Coen said during his introductory press conference that he considers himself a part of the McVay tree after spending two separate seasons in LA. Although Udinski never coached with the Rams, he worked closely with the Vikings' head coach, Kevin O'Connell, who was a former offensive coordinator under McVay.
That synergy can be a real catalyst for the Jaguars' offense moving forward, not only in what takes place on the field but in the day-to-day operation off of it.
In addition to that crucial factor, Udinski is also 'all-ball,' as Coen put it.
'He's an elite communicator,' Coen added. 'Really, obviously, high-level intelligence, football IQ, he's all ball. Grant is all ball. No ego, rides around in a Honda CRV, and just wants to live as close to the building as he can, and that's what always stood out is the ability, his passion for the game and all I've ever heard is positive things about him. You see in this past cycle, how much he got (interviews) and how much he was in, there was no surprise to me there.'
After Udinski was hired by Jacksonville, Vikings beat writer Ben Goessling gave an example of this all-ball mentality, mentioning that Udinski was available at all hours of the night to answer questions from then-rookie quarterback JJ McCarthy, adding that, 'Udinski will do whatever he possibly can to make a player better.'
Of course, the top task for Coen and Udinski will be getting Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' offense back on track–an endeavor that will be a collaborative process.