In recent years, NFL teams have been increasingly willing to hire younger head coaches. If teams find a talented up-and-coming coach with a promising future, they would rather hire them a year or two early than miss out on them by being a year or two late.
There were 15 head coaches aged 45 or younger at the start of the last season. Let’s break down the current group of young NFL coaches, followed by a look at the youngest head coaches in league history. Also, check out our full list of NFL head coaches by age.
Who Are the Youngest Head Coaches in the NFL?
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills | September 23, 1989 (36)
The Buffalo Bills fired Sean McDermott after their loss in the Divisional Round to the Denver Broncos. After conducting a lengthy search for their new head coach, the Bills decided to promote offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
Brady now becomes the youngest head coach in the NFL and will have the task of leading Buffalo back to the Super Bowl. The biggest reason the franchise hired him as its head coach was his relationship with quarterback Josh Allen. However, whether or not this is the right move remains to be seen.
Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints | July 5, 1988 (37)
Fresh off helping the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, former Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore became the New Orleans Saints’ head coach. This had been in the works for a while, but New Orleans had to wait until the Eagles’ season was over before finalizing the move.
Moore’s name was on the head coaching radar for quite some time now, and the more the rules shift toward the offensive side of the ball, it’s no wonder he received plenty of buzz, as he led successful offenses in Dallas, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia as a coordinator.
Philadelphia ranked seventh in red zone trips per game in 2024, thanks in large part to a suppressed turnover rate. Under Moore’s watch this season, the Eagles had the fourth-lowest giveaway rate, a major reason this team dominated the postseason, unlike a season ago (when they ranked 30th in turnover rate).
Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks | June 26, 1987 (38)
The Seattle Seahawks named Mike Macdonald the ninth head coach in franchise history on January 31, 2024.
Macdonald joined Seattle after spending nine of the last 10 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, including the last two as their defensive coordinator. His 2023 Ravens defense made history by finishing first in the NFL in points allowed (16.5 points per game), points per drive (1.35), yards per play (4.6), sacks (60), takeaways (31), and DVOA (-23.3%) while also leading 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+ metric. Seattle’s best trait last 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, and in his second season, they are playing in the Super Bowl. According to PFSN’s Defense Impact Metric, Seattle has the third-best defense in the league, and Macdonald continues to prove that he has a bright future as a head coach.
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+ 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.
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. Across his first eight seasons, McVay guided the Rams to six playoff appearances and two trips to the Super Bowl, capturing a championship in Super Bowl LVI.
McVay has produced seven winning seasons in Los Angeles and reached his 100th career regular-season game in 2023, compiling an impressive 92-57 record along the way.
Under his leadership, the Rams have consistently fielded one of the league’s most effective offenses while maintaining a defense that regularly ranks among the NFL’s better units. Still among the youngest head coaches in the league, McVay continues to mold Los Angeles into a reliable and dangerous contender.
Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars | Nov. 8, 1985 (40)
How Liam Coen became the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars was one of the wildest coach-hiring sagas in NFL history. Coen initially withdrew his name from the Jaguars’ head-coaching search and verbally agreed to an extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, becoming one of the highest-paid offensive coordinators in the NFL.
However, the next day, Coen never showed up to sign his agreement, and the Bucs couldn’t reach him. When they finally got Coen on the phone, he lied about his whereabouts and met with the Jaguars behind Tampa Bay’s back, accepting an offer to become Jacksonville’s next head coach.
Coen is 40 years old and has just one season of NFL play-calling experience, but despite that, he has turned around the Jaguars franchise and made the playoffs in his first season.
Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings | May 25, 1985 (40)
Kevin O’Connell was named the 10th head coach in Minnesota Vikings history on February 16, 2022, after previously serving as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
Across his first two seasons, O’Connell became the fastest coach in franchise history to reach 20 wins, accomplishing the feat in just 30 games.
Even after losing quarterback Kirk Cousins in free agency, O’Connell led Minnesota to a 14-win season with Sam Darnold starting under center. The Vikings emerged as the surprise team of the 2024 NFL season, ranking third offensively and 13th defensively based on PFSN’s metrics.
O’Connell has since established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive minds and was recently rewarded with a multi-year contract extension to remain in Minnesota.
Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts | May 11, 1985 (40)
Shane Steichen finished his first two seasons as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts with a 17–17 record, including an 8–9 mark this season. The Colts failed to meet preseason expectations, sparking growing concerns about team culture and a perceived lack of accountability under Steichen.
While there were internal whispers about a possible change, owner Jim Irsay ultimately confirmed that both Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard would return for next season.
Turnovers have been a persistent problem throughout Steichen’s tenure, significantly hurting his case. From 2022 to 2024, Indianapolis ranked 25th in turnover margin, committing 85 turnovers — better than only the Cleveland Browns over that span. Unsurprisingly, the Colts managed more than two consecutive wins just once during that stretch, a direct reflection of that ongoing issue.
Whether fair or not, head coaches are closely tied to quarterback development, and Anthony Richardson remains well short of expectations. Injuries have certainly mattered, but the lack of clear progression ultimately reflects back on the coaching staff.
Some pressure was alleviated by the strong play of Daniel Jones before his injury, but missing the playoffs again leaves the franchise in an uneasy spot. With no clarity on who will start at quarterback next season, Indianapolis faces major offseason uncertainty.
Before arriving in Indianapolis, Steichen served as offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, helping lead the team to Super Bowl LVII during the 2022 season.
DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans | July 28, 1984 (41)
Before moving into coaching, DeMeco Ryans enjoyed an outstanding NFL career as a linebacker with the Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles. Across his playing career, he amassed 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 transitioned into coaching in 2017, joining the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive quality control coach. He steadily climbed the staff, later serving as inside linebackers coach and defensive coordinator. His success in that role was evident, as he was named AP Assistant Coach of the Year in 2022 for his work as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. His rapid ascent quickly made him a popular head-coaching candidate. On January 31, 2023, the Texans hired Ryans as their head coach, completing a full-circle return to the franchise that originally drafted him.
In his first season leading Houston, Ryans guided the Texans to a 10-7 record, a playoff berth, and the organization’s seventh AFC South title. The Texans made history by becoming the first NFL team to win a division with both a rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud, and a first-year head coach.
Ryans and Stroud also became just the fourth rookie quarterback and head coach pairing to win a playoff game, dominating the Cleveland Browns 45-14 in the Wild Card round.
Under Ryans’ leadership, Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. captured the NFL’s Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards, completing a rare sweep of the league’s top rookie honors. 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 turnaround in Houston, positioning the Texans as one of the NFL’s rising teams.
Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals | May 10, 1983 (42)
Zac Taylor was named the 10th head coach in Bengals history on February 4, 2019. Entering his sixth season in 2024, Taylor has a regular-season record of 46-52-1 and a postseason record of 5-2.
In 2024, he led the Bengals to their fourth consecutive winning season with a 9-8 record, but Cincinnati ultimately missed the playoffs.
In 2022, Taylor’s Bengals tied a team record with 12 regular-season wins and earned their second straight AFC North title. The team advanced to its second consecutive AFC Championship, with Taylor becoming the 13th head coach to win five of his first six postseason games.
In 2021, he led the Bengals to an AFC title and a Super Bowl appearance while overseeing the development of star players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles | June 15, 1981 (44)
Nick Sirianni, the son of a longtime coach, was immersed in football from an early age, growing up while his father served as head coach at Southwestern Central High School in West Ellicott, New York.
A former collegiate wide receiver, Sirianni entered the NFL coaching ranks in 2009 with the Kansas City Chiefs as an offensive quality control coach. Over four seasons, he worked his way up to assistant quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach.
In 2013, Sirianni moved on to the San Diego Chargers, spending five seasons in multiple offensive roles, including quarterbacks coach and wide receivers coach. His rise continued in 2018, when the Indianapolis Colts hired him as offensive coordinator. During his three-year stint, the Colts reached the playoffs twice.
The Philadelphia Eagles named Sirianni their head coach on Jan. 24, 2021, following the departure of Doug Pederson. After an uneven beginning, he guided the franchise to the top of the league, leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl 59 victory. Sirianni now owns a 48–20 regular-season record along with a 6–3 postseason mark.
Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers | May 7, 1981 (44)
Dave Canales was hired as head coach of the Carolina Panthers on Jan. 25, 2024, becoming the seventh head coach in franchise history.
Before arriving in Carolina, Canales served as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator in 2023, helping lead the team to an NFC South title and a playoff victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Under his direction, quarterback Baker Mayfield enjoyed a career-best season, throwing for 4,044 yards and 28 touchdowns while posting a 64.3% completion rate. Running back Rachaad White also thrived, finishing just shy of 1,000 rushing yards while ranking third among NFL running backs in receiving yards.
Prior to his stint in Tampa Bay, Canales spent 13 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was part of a Super Bowl championship run and multiple playoff appearances.
MORE: List of Current NFL Head Coaches
Canales brings a strong background in offense and player development to the Panthers, aiming to turn around the young, rebuilding squad.
Who Are the Youngest Head Coaches in NFL History?
While Brady is currently the NFL’s youngest active head coach at 36 years old, how does that stack up against the youngest head coaches in league history?
Sean McVay holds the distinction of being the youngest head coach ever hired, as he was just 30 years and 11 months old when the Rams hired him in 2017. Here’s a look at the 10 youngest head coaches of all time.
- Sean McVay | 30 years, 11 months
Los Angeles Rams – 2017 - Lane Kiffin | 31 years, 8 months
Oakland Raiders – 2007 - Harland Svare | 31 years, 11 months
Los Angeles Rams – 1962 - John Michelosen | 32 years, 2 months
Pittsburgh Steelers – 1948 - Raheem Morris | 32 years, 4 months
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 2009 - David Shula | 32 years, 7 months
Cincinnati Bengals – 1992
- Josh McDaniels | 32 years, 8 months
Denver Broncos – 2009 - John Madden | 32 years and 10 months
Oakland Raiders – 1969 - Don Shula | 33 years, 4 days
Baltimore Colts – 1963 - Al Davis | 33 years, 6 months
Oakland Raiders – 1963
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