Jaguars announce surprising new coach; details on strategy and expectations.

The Jacksonville Jaguars announced a surprising coaching continuity move: offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, who had emerged as a leading head-coaching candidate around the league, will remain in Jacksonville after Bills head coach Joe Brady was named the new Bills coach. Udinski had been connected to multiple openings, including the Browns, but ultimately committed to staying with the Jaguars.

The decision comes after a standout 2025 season in which the Jaguars won 13 games—the most since 1999—while navigating a first-year head coach in Liam Coen and two inexperienced coordinators. The team still advanced to the playoffs, though they were eliminated in the first round. The season was viewed as a success given the rapid growth shown by a young, developing group.

Udinski’s candidacy gained traction during the coaching cycle, as he interviewed with several teams and was considered a finalist for Buffalo’s job before the Bills chose Brady. The Browns also courted him, but Udinski ultimately removed himself from consideration. His return to Jacksonville provides continuity for an offense that produced a strong 2025 season.

Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile also drew multiple head coaching interviews, including a second-round look from the Arizona Cardinals. Despite the interest, Campanile will return for the 2026 season, helping to anchor a defense that finished in the top 10 in points allowed in 2025 after a bottom-five finish the year prior.

In the Jaguars’ offseason, attention shifts to free agency and roster evaluation. CBS Sports’ Top 50 free agents included All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd at No. 15 and running back Travis Etienne at No. 23. Lloyd’s fit in Campanile’s scheme and Etienne’s rebound from injuries underscore the team’s vision for 2026, though Etienne’s future remains a point of consideration if he departs.

Etienne’s rebound—running for over 1,000 yards after prior injuries—along with the interim stability at coordinator positions, positions Jacksonville to reload rather than rebuild. The team has already traded Tank Bigsby, which places more responsibility on Etienne and, if he moves on, on 2025 rookie Bhayshul Tuten to step into a larger role.

With both coordinators secured for 2026, the Jaguars can focus on refining their roster and building on the momentum from 2025. Head coach Liam Coen signaled that the real work begins now—emphasizing reload rather than simply repeating last season’s 13-win formula—as Jacksonville eyes continued growth and a deeper playoff push.