The Patriots are among the teams in need of a new offensive and defensive coordinator. The list of candidates to interview for the former position has expanded. 
New England met with Grant Udinski yesterday, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports. That makes him the third candidate to interview for the OC vacancy. The Patriots are, of course not alone in showing interest in the Vikings’ assistant OC, though. Udinski is also among the finalists for Seattle’s offensive coordinator position.
The Patriots are starting over at a number of positions on their staff with Mike Vrabel in place as head coach. That is common practice in the NFL, but with a pair of coordinator spots to fill the team will look to move quickly. Udinski does not have a history with Vrabel, but he is held in high regard around the league and could take on his first career coordinator gig as early as this season as a result.
The 28-year-old worked as a graduate assistant in 2019 before following Matt Rhule from Temple to Carolina one year later. After two seasons with the Panthers, Udinski joined the Vikings’ staff under Kevin O’Connell. He took on the position of assistant quarterbacks coach last year, and had assistant OC added to his title for the 2024 campaign. After a season in which Sam Darnold exceeded expectations in Minnesota, Udinski’s stock has certainly risen in short order.
The Patriots have Drake Maye in place as their quarterback of the present and (at least short-term) future, but the rest of the offense faces plenty of questions. Upgrading along the O-line and adding at the receiver position will be key offseason priorities, something the team’s next OC will no doubt have a say in once a hire is made.
Via PFR’s OC/DC tracker, here is an updated look at the Patriots’ ongoing search:
- Marcus Brady, pass-game coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/18
- Thomas Brown, interim head coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/14
- Josh McDaniels, former head coach (Raiders): Confirmed candidate
- Tommy Rees, tight ends coach (Browns): Rumored candidate; promoted by Browns
- Grant Udinski, assistant offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/20