The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to have a long, meticulous search to find the man that can fill Mike Tomlin's shoes. They already have five potential options set to interview with them, and more candidates are expected to be brought in. There are numerous big names that are expected to get an invite from the organization throughout this process, and this could make it take a very long time for a final decision to be made. This will require a lot of patience and faith to get through.
Matt Freed/ Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Steelers’ former senior linebackers coach Brian Flores smiling at a training camp practice at St Vincent College.
With all the big names being thrown around, Aditi Kinkhabwala threw another name into the ring to potentially be the Steelers' new head coach while making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan. This one, however, is a man that not enough people are talking about.
"Grant Udinski, let me tell you," Kinkhabwala said. "Grant is probably one of the five smartest people I've ever met in the National Football League. The guy reads extensively on leadership, on how to lead... He's so smart, he's so ambitious, he's so hungry, he's all about ball. Everybody that has ever worked with him loves him... Don't forget that I'm telling you this. I love him."
At just 30 years old, Jacksonville Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski did receive an interview request to be the head coach of the Cleveland Browns, but he has still flown under the radar despite that. His age probably has something to do with it, but if he can impress people in 2026 like how he has already impressed Kinkhabwala, he may be a lock to get a head coach gig in 2027 if no one hires him in this cycle.
First Coast News
Jacksonville Jaguars OC Grant Udinski looks on during his time with the Minnesota Vikings.
Kinkhabawala told a long story about how Udinski has Jaguars' backup quarterback Nick Mullens record his cadence, audibles, and play calls each week so he can send them out to the offense. This is done so that if something were to unfortunately happen to Trevor Lawrence, no one would be confused by the backup's signals during the game. The Steelers could definitely benefit from that kind of attention to detail.
Kinkhabwala also mentioned that Udinski has the ability to call plays, but he doesn't because Head Coach Liam Coen takes those responsibilities. If the Steelers hire him, they would get a guy that can help out with X's and O's each week. At the very least, it would be worth giving him an interview just to see how he thinks and what he would do as the leader of the team.
Steelers May Have Younger, More Modern Version Of Tomlin
Tomlin always considered himself a "football junkie." From the description of Udinski, it sounds like he fits that characterization as well, except he is much younger and likely more in tune with the modern game. His drive to be better would be one that could motivate the locker room, especially if he seems to be prepared for any situation. Strive for the best and prepare for the worst. He seems to live by that.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars, on Saturday August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, FL.
This would most likely be a very boom-or-bust hire. If he turns out great, he will likely be the coach of the Steelers for the next 20 years roughly. If he's not, he could be out of a job in two seasons, trying to figure out what went wrong. Pittsburgh did take a risk in hiring Tomlin in his 30s, but Udinski is much younger than he was at the time of putting pen to paper. This could be a big risk, but sometimes, it's worth taking that kind of risk.
What do you think about the Pittsburgh Steelers possibly hiring Grant Udisnki to be the next head coach? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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