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Browns Poised to Hire Grant Udinski as Head Coach

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, January 31st 2026 at 23:29 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, CANADA

Cleveland, OH - February 1st, 2026 - The Cleveland Browns are on the cusp of naming Grant Udinski as their new head coach, marking a potential turning point for a franchise seeking consistent success. Following the dismissal of Kevin Stefanski after a frustrating 2025 season, the Browns have undertaken a thorough search, and all signs now point to Udinski, the Baltimore Ravens' highly respected passing game coordinator, as the leading candidate.

The 2025 season was marked by unfulfilled potential for Cleveland. Despite flashes of brilliance, particularly from young receiver Dante Thompson, the offense struggled with consistency and efficiency, ultimately leading to a 7-10 record and the decision to move on from Stefanski. The Browns' ownership, led by Jimmy Haslam, has signaled a desire for a coach who can unlock the full potential of the offense and build a sustainable winning culture.

Udinski has quickly emerged as that coach. Betting markets reflect this sentiment, consistently placing him as the favorite, and sources within the Browns organization confirm that he's the primary focus of their attention. While several other candidates have been interviewed, including the Ravens' defensive coordinator Zach Orr, Detroit Lions assistant coach T Jeuard, and New York Giants offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, none have garnered the same level of positive feedback or internal support.

Udinski's Ravens Pedigree & Offensive Philosophy

Udinski's success isn't a sudden phenomenon. He's spent the last five seasons in Baltimore, meticulously honing his skills under the tutelage of some of the NFL's brightest offensive minds. His time with the Ravens has been characterized by a commitment to a modern, adaptable passing attack. He's credited with a significant role in the development of Lamar Jackson into a more complete passer, expanding Jackson's route reading ability and improving his deep ball accuracy. This offensive system emphasizes quick reads, play-action, and maximizing yards after the catch - all features that could greatly benefit Browns' quarterback, Deshaun Watson, if he remains with the team.

However, questions remain about Watson's future. Reports suggest that the Browns are open to trade offers for the veteran quarterback, and Udinski's arrival could accelerate those discussions. A clean slate with a younger quarterback, or a willingness to build an offense around a strong running game, might be more appealing to the new coach.

Beyond Offense: Building a Culture

While Udinski's offensive expertise is the primary driver of his candidacy, his potential to cultivate a strong team culture is also highly valued. Multiple players from Baltimore have spoken highly of his communication skills, his ability to connect with players on a personal level, and his dedication to fostering a positive and collaborative environment. These qualities are crucial for a team like the Browns, which has struggled with internal cohesion in recent years.

Zach Orr, despite being a strong candidate due to his proven track record in building a formidable Ravens defense, is seen as a more traditional coach, focusing primarily on the defensive side of the ball. T Jeuard brings an exciting young perspective from the successful Detroit Lions, but lacks the experience of Udinski and Orr. Brian Daboll, having previously led the New York Giants to a playoff appearance, is a respected name, but his recent struggles with the Giants' offense likely diminished his chances.

Challenges Ahead

Udinski's biggest challenge will be turning around a Browns team that has consistently underperformed despite possessing considerable talent. He'll need to quickly assess the roster, identify key areas for improvement, and build a coaching staff that can execute his vision. The AFC North is a notoriously competitive division, with the Ravens, Steelers, and Bengals all vying for playoff spots. Udinski will need to navigate this challenging landscape and establish the Browns as a consistent contender.

The expected announcement of Udinski's hiring is anticipated later this week. Browns fans are hoping that this marks the beginning of a new and successful chapter in the franchise's history.