In recent years, NFL teams have hired younger and younger head coaches, with the thought process being that they would rather be a year or two early on an ascending star than a year or two late. The success of coaches like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and DeMeco Ryans has inspired a new approach to decision-making for NFL leaders.
However, the league still has plenty of veteran greybeards that have seen success at the very highest level and cannot be forgotten about either. Who are the youngest coaches in the league, and which ones are getting up there in age? Let’s take a look at all 32 head coaches in the NFL.
List of NFL Head Coaches by Age From Oldest to Youngest
Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs | March 19, 1958 (67)
Andy Reid, the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, has already established himself as one of the most successful coaches in NFL history.
Under his leadership, the Chiefs have won three Super Bowls, including back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. Reid’s innovative offensive strategies have helped shape the Chiefs into a dominant force in the NFL, with 10 straight playoff appearances. His ability to mentor quarterbacks, including Patrick Mahomes, has been a cornerstone of his success.
Before joining Kansas City, Reid spent 14 seasons as the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he led the team to nine playoff appearances and a Super Bowl appearance. Reid’s career is marked by his commitment to excellence, both on and off the field, earning him widespread respect throughout the NFL.
Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers | November 18, 1963 (62)
Before this season, Todd Bowles had guided the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to three consecutive NFC South titles. He moved into the head coaching role after spending three seasons as Tampa Bay’s defensive coordinator from 2019 to 2021, a stretch in which he reshaped the unit into one of the league’s most formidable defenses.
Under Bowles’ direction, the Buccaneers consistently ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in major defensive categories, including yards allowed, sacks, and takeaways.
Before his time in Tampa Bay, Bowles served as head coach of the New York Jets and held defensive coordinator roles with the Arizona Cardinals, where his work earned him Assistant Coach of the Year honors.
His NFL coaching career began in 2000, following an eight-year playing career that included a Super Bowl victory with the Washington Redskins. Known for his defensive expertise and player development, Bowles has established himself as one of the league’s most respected leaders.
Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers | December 23, 1963 (62)
Jim Harbaugh, a proven winner in both college and the NFL, brings a wealth of experience to the table. As a collegiate head coach, he boasts a 144-52 record. Harbaugh led the San Francisco 49ers to three consecutive NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl XLVII appearance. His ability to develop talent is evident, having coached nine eventual first-round picks at Michigan and 17 Pro Bowlers during his time with the 49ers.
At Michigan, Harbaugh led the Wolverines to an 86-25 record over nine seasons, including six seasons with 10 or more wins and a national title in 2023. In his first season with the Los Angeles Chargers, he led the team to 11 wins and a playoff berth. A former NFL quarterback himself, Harbaugh’s career was marked by leadership and efficiency, traits he’s carried into his coaching career.
Sean Payton, Denver Broncos | December 29, 1963 (62)
Sean Payton was named the Denver Broncos’ head coach on February 3, 2023, bringing 34 years of coaching experience, including 24 in the NFL. Payton is best known for his 15-season tenure as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, where he led the team to nine playoff berths, seven NFC South titles, and a Super Bowl XLIV victory.
He holds the Saints’ record for most wins and the highest winning percentage, with a 152-89 regular-season record. Under Payton, the Saints consistently boasted one of the NFL’s top offenses, leading the league in net yards six times and ranking among the top 10 in scoring offenses for 12 of his 15 seasons.
Payton’s coaching career also includes stints with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles. Before entering the NFL, he coached at several collegiate programs. A former quarterback at Eastern Illinois, Payton’s coaching legacy is marked by developing elite offensive talent, including Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees.
Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders | September 11, 1970 (55)
Dan Quinn arrived in Washington with more than two decades of coaching experience when he took over as head coach of the Washington Commanders, most recently thriving as defensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. From 2021 through 2023, his units consistently ranked among the NFL’s elite, finishing top five in points allowed per game and leading the league in interceptions.
During his time in Dallas, Quinn played a key role in the development of defensive stars such as Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs, work that earned him AP Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2021. Prior to that, he guided the Atlanta Falcons to an NFC Championship and a berth in Super Bowl LI. He also oversaw the dominant Seattle Seahawks defense from 2013 to 2014, leading the unit to back-to-back Super Bowl appearances and league-best defensive finishes.
In his first season with Washington, Quinn accelerated the rise of quarterback Jayden Daniels, revitalized the Commanders’ defense, and steered the franchise to the NFC Championship Game.
A former standout defensive lineman at Salisbury State, Quinn and his wife, Stacey, are also deeply committed to supporting military service members through their nonprofit initiative, Quinn’s Corps.
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers | March 15, 1972 (53)
Mike Tomlin was named the 16th head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 22, 2007, becoming only the third head coach hired by the team since 1969. At 34 years old, Tomlin led the Steelers to a Super Bowl victory in his second season, becoming the youngest head coach in NFL history to win a Super Bowl.
Remarkably, Tomlin has never had a losing season in his 16 years as head coach. His tenure has been marked by consistent success, including leading the NFL in sacks for five straight seasons (2017-2021) and guiding the Steelers to multiple playoff berths despite facing significant injuries to key players.
Tomlin is also known for his involvement in community service, actively participating in initiatives that promote leadership and positive role models.
Aaron Glenn, New York Jets | July 16, 1972 (53)
On January 22, 2025, the New York Jets hired Aaron Glenn as their head coach. Glenn began his NFL career as a cornerback with the Jets after being selected No. 3 overall in the 1994 NFL Draft. He played in New York from 1994 through 2001, earning three Pro Bowl selections and a spot on the Jets’ All-Time Four Decade Team. He now returns to the franchise with the goal of snapping its 14-year playoff drought.
Glenn previously served as a defensive backs coach with the New Orleans Saints from 2016 to 2020 before joining the Detroit Lions ahead of the 2021 season. At the time, Detroit’s defense was among the league’s worst, ranking 31st or 32nd in red zone efficiency, points per drive, turnover rate, and average opponent starting field position. The Lions closed the 2020 season by losing six of their final seven games and were outscored 252-150, the most points allowed by any team over that span.
Detroit did not simply need schematic fixes. The organization needed a cultural reset, something Glenn helped establish and maintain during his tenure in the Motor City. That foundation ultimately played a key role in the Lions’ transformation into one of the NFL’s top defensive units.
Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys | October 16, 1973 (52)
On January 24, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys promoted Brian Schottenheimer, their former offensive coordinator, to the team’s head coach. The decision was controversial, as Schottenheimer is a first-time head coach and struggled at times as Dallas’ OC under former head coach Mike McCarthy.
The 2023 Cowboys were the top-ranked scoring offense in Schottenheimer’s first year as offensive coordinator, but fell to 23rd amid injuries to Dak Prescott, Zack Martin, and CeeDee Lamb. In Schottenheimer’s 14 seasons as offensive coordinator, it’s the fifth time he’s had a team rank 20th or worse in PPG and the seventh time they’ve ranked in the bottom half of the league.
Schottenheimer has been the offensive coordinator for four franchises over the course of 12 seasons: the Cowboys (2023-24), Seahawks (2018-20), Rams (2012-14), and Jets (2006-11). In that span, he’s coached under McCarthy, Pete Carroll, Jeff Fisher, Rex Ryan, and Eric Mangini.
Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills | March 21, 1974 (51)
Sean McDermott was named head coach of the Buffalo Bills on January 11, 2017, and has since led the franchise to become a perennial contender.
Known for his disciplined and determined approach, McDermott has cultivated a winning culture in Buffalo, earning the respect of players and peers alike.
McDermott’s tenure is marked by consistent success, with the Bills achieving 10+ wins and playoff berths each year from 2019 to 2024. His impact extends beyond coaching, as he was appointed to the NFL’s Competition Committee in 2024, the first Bills representative on the committee since Bill Polian.
Before joining the Bills, McDermott served as defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, where he led top-10 defenses and played a crucial role in their 2015 Super Bowl run. His coaching roots trace back to his time under Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he honed his skills working with legendary defensive coordinator Jim Johnson.
Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots | August 14, 1975 (50)
On January 12, 2025, the New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach. The former Tennessee Titans head coach returned to the franchise where he won three Super Bowl rings as a linebacker.
Vrabel had also interviewed for the head coaching vacancies of the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, but he opted to return to New England, where he played for eight seasons. Throughout the course of Vrabel’s coaching career, he has a 61-47 record in the regular season and a 2-3 record in the postseason.
In Tennessee, Vrabel’s teams weren’t always effective, but they did finish eighth in PFSN’s Defense Impact metric .in 2021 and 12th in 2022. The Patriots fell from ninth in Defense+ in 2023 to 30th in 2024.
Now, the Patriots can expect to field a better run defense in 2025. From 2018-23, Tennessee ranked fourth in defensive EPA per rush (0.11) and seventh in rushing defense success rate (63%). The 2024 Patriots had a below-average run defense, ranking 23rd in EPA per rush and 20th in run defense success rate.
Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions | April 13, 1976 (49)
Dan Campbell was named head coach of the Detroit Lions on January 20, 2021. With 25 years of NFL experience, including 11 as a player and 14 as a coach, Campbell brought a new culture of grit and collaboration to Detroit.
In his third year, he led the Lions to a historic 12-5 season, tying the franchise record for wins and securing their first division title since 1993. The team advanced to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991, marking the Lions’ most successful season in decades.
In 2024, he led the Lions to 15 wins, and they entered the playoffs looking like the favorite to win Super Bowl 59, but they were upset by the Commanders in the Divisional Round.
Under Campbell’s leadership, the Lions have excelled in all aspects of the game, and his impact was felt beyond the field as he fostered a resilient, winning culture.
Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers | November 3, 1979 (46)
Matt LaFleur was named the 15th head coach of the Green Bay Packers on January 8, 2019. Over his first five seasons, LaFleur led the Packers to a 56-27 regular-season record (.675), the best in the NFC and tied for third in the NFL during that span. His 56 wins are tied for the second-most by any head coach in NFL history over their first five seasons, trailing only George Seifert.
LaFleur guided Green Bay to the playoffs four times in five years, including three straight 13-win seasons and two NFC Championship Game appearances. In 2021, he was the runner-up for AP NFL Coach of the Year. LaFleur also coached QB Aaron Rodgers to back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021.
Before joining the Packers, LaFleur served as the offensive coordinator for the Rams (2017) and Titans (2018) and coached QBs for the Redskins (2010-13) and Falcons (2015-16).
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers | December 14, 1979 (46)
The San Francisco 49ers hired Kyle Shanahan as head coach on Feb. 6, 2017, and he is now in his eighth season leading the franchise. He replaced Chip Kelly, who was let go following a 2-14 season.
Under Shanahan, San Francisco has reached four NFC Championship Games and advanced to two Super Bowls. Notably, every postseason appearance during his tenure has ended with a trip to either the NFC title game or the Super Bowl.
That level of sustained success aligns with his coaching lineage. Shanahan is the son of Mike Shanahan, who led the Denver Broncos from 1995 through 2008. Mike Shanahan captured two Super Bowl titles, defeating the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXII and the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XXXIII. He remains the Broncos’ all-time leader in games coached, regular-season wins, and playoff victories, and is enshrined in the team’s Ring of Fame.
Kyle Shanahan is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s premier head coaches and offensive architects. His system has been widely copied across the league with varying success, and its effectiveness has fueled a steady pipeline of 49ers assistants earning promotions, including multiple head coaching jobs in recent seasons.
Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers | May 7, 1981 (44)
Dave Canales was hired as the head coach of the Carolina Panthers on January 25, 2024, becoming the seventh head coach in franchise history.
Before arriving in Carolina, Canales served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023, helping guide the team to an NFC South championship and a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
With Canales calling plays, quarterback Baker Mayfield delivered a career season with 4,044 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and a 64.3 percent completion rate. Running back Rachaad White also flourished, coming close to 1,000 rushing yards and finishing third among NFL running backs in receiving yards.
Before his stint in Tampa Bay, Canales spent 13 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, contributing to a Super Bowl title and several playoff runs. He played an important part in the development of quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Geno Smith.
Canales brings a strong offensive background and a reputation for player development to Carolina, where he aims to help rebuild and elevate a young Panthers roster.
Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles | June 15, 1981 (44)
Nick Sirianni comes from a coaching background, as his father served as the head coach at Southwestern Central High School in West Ellicott, New York.
Sirianni began his NFL coaching career in 2009 with the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive quality control coach. He spent four seasons with the organization and eventually moved into roles as assistant quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach.
He later joined the San Diego Chargers, where he worked for five years in several capacities, including offensive quality control coach, quarterbacks coach, and wide receivers coach. In 2018, the Indianapolis Colts hired Sirianni as offensive coordinator, marking his first opportunity to run an NFL offense. During his three seasons in that role, he helped guide the Colts to two playoff appearances.
On January 24, 2021, the Philadelphia Eagles named Sirianni their head coach, replacing Doug Pederson. After a rocky start in Philadelphia, Sirianni has since reached the pinnacle of the sport, leading the Eagles to a championship victory in Super Bowl 59
Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals | May 10, 1983 (42)
Zac Taylor was appointed the 10th head coach in Cincinnati Bengals history on February 4, 2019. Now in his sixth season, Taylor owns a 52-62-1 regular-season record along with a 5-2 postseason mark.
During the 2024 campaign, Taylor led Cincinnati to its fourth consecutive winning season, finishing 9-8, though the Bengals narrowly missed the playoffs.
Taylor’s most notable success came in 2022, when Cincinnati tied a franchise record with 12 regular-season wins and secured a second straight AFC North crown. That run carried the Bengals to their second consecutive AFC Championship Game, and Taylor became only the 13th head coach in NFL history to win five of his first six playoff games.
One year earlier, in 2021, Taylor guided the Bengals to an AFC title and a Super Bowl appearance, while also overseeing the emergence of franchise cornerstones Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans | July 28, 1984 (41)
Before transitioning into coaching, DeMeco Ryans built an accomplished NFL career as a linebacker with the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. Over his playing career, he totaled 971 tackles, 13.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions. Ryans earned first-team All-Pro honors, was selected to two Pro Bowls, and led the league in tackles during the 2006 season.
Ryans began his coaching journey in 2017 with the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach. He quickly climbed the ranks, serving as inside linebackers coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator, where his impact was immediate. His work earned him AP Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2022.
That success made Ryans one of the most in-demand head coaching candidates in the league. On January 31, 2023, he completed a full-circle moment when Houston hired him as head coach, returning to the franchise that originally drafted him.
In his first season, Ryans led the Texans to a 10-7 record, securing a playoff spot and the organization’s seventh AFC South title. Houston became the first team in NFL history to win a division with both a rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, and a first-year head coach.
Ryans and Stroud also joined rare company as just the fourth rookie quarterback and head coach pairing to win a playoff game, dismantling the Cleveland Browns 45-14 in the Wild Card round. Under Ryans’ leadership, Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. captured Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, completing an uncommon sweep of the league’s top rookie awards.
Ryans was named PFWA Coach of the Year, while Houston finished inside the top 10 in both turnover margin and rushing defense. His leadership has sparked a franchise revival, positioning the Texans as one of the NFL’s most promising young teams.
Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts | May 11, 1985 (40)
Shane Steichen is now in his third year leading the Indianapolis Colts, with a roster many believe has the talent to compete at a high level. Even so, last season fell short of preseason expectations, prompting questions about culture and accountability under Steichen’s direction.
Despite outside speculation, the late owner Jim Irsay confirmed before his passing that both Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard would return for another season. Turnovers, however, remain a lingering concern and have repeatedly limited the team’s ceiling during Steichen’s tenure.
From 2022 through 2024, Indianapolis ranked 25th in turnover margin with 85 giveaways, a total surpassed only by the Cleveland Browns. That ongoing issue with ball security has made sustained success elusive, as the Colts have won more than two straight games only once over the past three seasons.
As is often true in the NFL, a head coach’s outlook is closely tied to quarterback development, and Anthony Richardson has not progressed as quickly as hoped. Injuries have played a role, but the lack of steady growth ultimately reflects on the coaching staff.
Pressure on Steichen eased somewhat due to the play of Daniel Jones before his injury, but Indianapolis still finds itself in a difficult position after missing the playoffs. With uncertainty surrounding who will open next season as QB1, the franchise faces important questions heading into the offseason.
Before taking over in Indianapolis, Steichen served as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles and was a key figure in their run to Super Bowl LVII during the 2022 season.
Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings | May 25, 1985 (40)
Kevin O’Connell was appointed the 10th head coach in Minnesota Vikings history on February 16, 2022, after spending the previous season as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Over his first two years, O’Connell became the quickest coach in franchise history to reach 20 wins, achieving the milestone in only 30 games.
Even after losing quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, O’Connell guided Minnesota to a 14-win season with Sam Darnold leading the offense. The Vikings finished as the biggest surprise of the 2024 NFL season, ranking third offensively and 13th defensively according to PFSN’s metrics.
O’Connell has since solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top offensive minds and was recently rewarded with a multi-year contract extension to stay in Minnesota.
Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars | Nov. 8, 1985 (39)
The path that led Liam Coen to becoming the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars ranks among the most unusual hiring sagas in recent NFL history. Coen initially removed himself from Jacksonville’s search and verbally committed to a contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a deal that would have placed him among the league’s highest-paid offensive coordinators.
The situation took a dramatic turn the following day when Coen failed to appear to finalize the agreement and became unreachable. When contact was eventually made, he reportedly misrepresented his location and instead met privately with Jacksonville, ultimately accepting the Jaguars’ head coaching offer without Tampa Bay’s knowledge.
Now 39 years old and with only one season of NFL play-calling experience, Coen enters the role as a fascinating yet largely untested choice, tasked with steering the Jaguars toward a turnaround.
Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams | January 24, 1986 (39)
On January 12, 2017, Sean McVay was appointed the 23rd head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, making him the youngest head coach in the modern NFL at the age of 30. Over his first eight seasons, McVay guided the Rams to six playoff berths and two Super Bowl appearances, capturing a championship in Super Bowl LVI.
During his tenure in Los Angeles, McVay has produced seven winning seasons and reached his 100th career regular-season game in 2023.
With McVay at the helm, the Rams have consistently featured one of the NFL’s most effective offenses while also maintaining a dependable defense. Still among the league’s youngest head coaches, he continues to shape Los Angeles into a stable and legitimate contender on a yearly basis.
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears | May 11, 1986 (39)
On January 21, 2025, the Chicago Bears hired Ben Johnson as their head coach. Johnson was one of the most highly coveted candidates during the NFL’s current coaching cycle, drawing interest from numerous teams.
After turning down a head coaching opportunity last offseason to chase a title with the Detroit Lions, Johnson accepted the Bears’ job.
Johnson became a key figure in the Lions’ offense in 2019 and assumed full control as the team’s offensive coordinator in 2022. He helped Detroit average an NFL-best 33.1 points per game this season while also ranking No. 1 in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric.
The unit’s stock soared this season, but the improvement was a steady progression. Now, he’ll try to help former No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams realize his full potential.
Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks | June 26, 1987 (37)
The Seattle Seahawks officially named Mike Macdonald as the ninth head coach in franchise history on January 31, 2024.
Macdonald arrived in Seattle after spending nine of the previous ten seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, including the final two as defensive coordinator. His 2023 Ravens unit produced one of the most dominant defensive seasons in recent NFL history, leading the league in points allowed per game (16.5), points per drive (1.35), yards per play (4.6), sacks (60), takeaways (31), and DVOA (-23.3%). Baltimore also finished first in point differential (+203) and turnover margin (+12).
In his first season with Seattle, he led the team to 10 wins, although they just missed the playoffs. Macdonald helped the Seahawks turn around their defense, going from the NFL’s 29th-ranked unit to the sixth-best defense, according to PFSN’s Defense Impact metric.
Seattle’s best trait this season was its ability to generate pressure, as the Seahawks generated pressure without blitzing at the third-highest rate of any defense (36.5%).
This unit improved more than anyone could have expected in Macdonald’s first season, proving that he has a bright future as a head coach.
Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints | July 5, 1988 (37)
Fresh off the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was appointed head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The move had been in motion for weeks, but New Orleans had to wait until Philadelphia’s season officially ended to finalize the hire.
Moore has been on the head coaching radar for some time, and with the league continuing to favor offensive-minded leaders, his rise drew significant interest. Before his year in Philadelphia, he oversaw efficient offenses with the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Rams, further bolstering his credentials.
In 2024, the Eagles ranked seventh in the NFL in red zone trips per game, a significant improvement largely driven by enhanced ball security. Under Moore’s guidance, Philadelphia finished with the fourth-lowest turnover rate in the league, a major contributor to its postseason success and a sharp improvement from the prior season, when the unit ranked 30th in giveaways.
NOTE:
- The Tennessee Titans fired Brian Callahan after just six games into the head coach’s second season with the franchise.
- The New York Giants fired Brian Daboll after Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season. He finished his tenure with the Giants with a record 20-40-1 in the regular season, and 1-1 in the playoffs.
- The Atlanta Falcons fired Raheem Morris after Week 18’s finale.
- The Cleveland Browns fired Kevin Stefanski on Black Monday after Week 18.
- The Las Vegas Raiders also fired Pete Carroll on Black Monday, and he was the oldest active head coach in the league before his departure.
- The Arizona Cardinals parted ways with Jonathan Gannon after Week 18, and he was the third head coach to lose his job on this year’s Black Monday.
- The day after Black Monday, the Baltimore Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh, the second-longest tenured coach in the NFL (18 years).
- The Miami Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel on Thursday, January 8. He finished his tenure in Miami with a record of 35-33 in regular season, and 0-2 in the playoffs.
