We’ve already talked about Jerrod Johnson, Jeff Nixon, Thad Lewis, Nick Caley, and Bill Lazor.
And today we have two more OC candidates to add to the mix…
Brian Johnson, first and foremost, shares a name with the lead singer of AC/DC. He’s also the assistant head coach and passing game coordinator for the Washington Commanders. He has previously served as OC for the Utah Utes, Houston Cougars, Florida Gators, and Philadelphia Eagles. Obviously the Commanders had a great season this year, and Jayden Daniels did a pretty amazing job with 3,568 passing yards, 25 TDs and 9 INTs. However, during his time with the Eagles, Johnson’s offense was criticized for being “too simplistic” and for not scheming players open.
Grant Udinski is the assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings. He is only 29 years old and has been with the Vikings since 2022, first as an “assistant to the head coach,” then assistant quarterbacks coach, and later added the title of assistant offensive coordinator (under OC Wes Phillips, son of Wade Phillips, and grandson of Bum Phillips). It’s worth noting that Vikings QB Sam Darnold just had the best season of his career, with 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, and 12 INTs.
Jeff Nixon is still the guy that excites me the most. I don’t understand why so many people are gushing over Nick Caley, who has never been an OC before and had Gronk his entire tenure with the Patriots. Sure, he might be good, but he hasn’t done anything yet.