The Philadelphia Eagles are heading into their bye week on a seven-game losing streak, leaving head coach Nick Sirianni under intense scrutiny. With fans and analysts discussing whether the team could make a coaching change after the season, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has emerged as one possible name for Philadelphia to consider in 2027.
On November 13, 2026, radio host Spike Eskin asked co-host Jack Fritz on the 94WIP Afternoon Show to name a head coach he would want for the Eagles’ 2027 season. Fritz was free to choose Sirianni, but if he picked someone new, the candidate had to be available and could not already be a head coach of another NFL team.
Fritz said he was looking for a potential future star rather than a familiar or less ambitious choice. He pointed to coaches such as Ben Johnson, Sean McVay, and Kyle Shanahan as examples of the kind of offensive-minded leader he had in mind. Fritz also said he wanted a coach who could call plays, build an offense, and bring a strong local connection to Philadelphia.
His choice was Udinski.
“I want someone who I actually think can handle calling plays; I want my head coach to call plays; I want an offense; I want a local guy,” Fritz said. He added that he wanted someone younger than himself to lead the Eagles and identified Udinski as that candidate.
## Udinski’s coaching path
Udinski began his NFL coaching career with the Carolina Panthers in 2020, working as an assistant coach. Two seasons later, he moved to Minnesota, where his responsibilities included special projects and work with quarterbacks. In 2025, he became offensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Fritz noted that Udinski is from the Philadelphia area and attended CB West. While giving credit to Jaguars head coach Liam Coen, Fritz also suggested Udinski could be a key part of Jacksonville’s success. The Jaguars were 6-2 this season at the time of the discussion.
Fritz said he had been impressed by the way the Jaguars had developed quarterback Trevor Lawrence, whom he described as playing at the level many had hoped for after Lawrence was selected first overall. He also recalled hearing Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell praise Udinski’s intelligence and cited positive comments from players who had worked with him.
Fritz highlighted Udinski’s ability to command respect despite being only 31 years old. He said those qualities gave Udinski the potential to become a coach in the mold of Johnson, Shanahan, or McVay. Fritz made clear that he wanted Philadelphia to find a head coach who could lead a complete offense, rather than simply fill the position.
## Previous head-coaching interest
Udinski has already drawn interest from teams seeking head coaches. He was a prospective candidate for the Cleveland Browns’ opening, but Todd Monken ultimately got the job after Udinski withdrew from consideration to remain in Jacksonville.
Udinski also interviewed with the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo, however, chose its former offensive coordinator, Joe Brady.
The interest from Cleveland and Buffalo does not mean Udinski will necessarily be available to Philadelphia, or that the Eagles will pursue him. Fritz’s comments reflect his personal preference for a possible coaching change, not a decision announced by the team.
Speaking to the media at a press conference in May 2026, Udinski acknowledged that he had areas he wanted to improve. He said his focus remained on improving the running game and finding ways to influence games in pursuit of wins.
For now, the Eagles’ immediate challenge is to end their losing streak after the bye. Whether Sirianni can turn the season around over the remaining seven weeks could shape the conversation about Philadelphia’s leadership in 2027. Udinski is one name being discussed as a potential option, but the Eagles’ next stretch of games will come before any decision about the coaching position.
