The Seattle Seahawks held a fairly thorough process when going through the motions of hiring a new offensive coordinator. Eventually, Mike Macdonald settled on Klint Kubiak. Kubiak was always considered a front-runner. One of those other front-runners got another job on Wednesday, when the Jacksonville Jaguars named Grant Udinski their new OC.
We have agreed to terms with Grant Udinski to become our Offensive Coordinator. pic.twitter.com/5PKBOOynrm
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) February 6, 2025
Both Kubiak and Udinski received two interviews apiece for the Seahawks’ opening. Kubiak, the first known candidate to emerge, was always considered the favorite. Others who received consideration included former Chicago Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown, who has since joined Mike Vrabel’s staff with the New England Patriots, who also recently plucked an assistant from Seattle’s 2024 staff.
Udinski received more league-wide interest than Kubiak did. He was a candidate for multiple openings. Seattle and Kubiak always seemed like a likely pairing, though the Cleveland Browns did show a little interest before they hired Tommy Rees.
Macdonald’s decision to hire Kubiak will be compared to Jacksonville’s one to appoint Udinski. It’s worth noting direct comparisons may be difficult though. Kubiak will call plays in Seattle. Udinski probably won’t do that for the Jaguars, who hired an offensive-minded head coach and play caller in Liam Coen.
Macdonald has to nail this OC decision after whiffing on Ryan Grubb. How Jacksonville’s offense performs next year will offer a hint whether choosing Kubiak over Udinski was the correct decision or not.
