The new wave of head coaching hires in the NFL has seen a trend toward younger, offensive-minded leading men getting the top jobs. Guys like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan have spurred a new way of thinking for decision-makers.
However, the league still has plenty of veteran greybeards that have seen success at the very highest level as well and cannot be forgotten about either. Who are the youngest coaches in the league, and which ones are getting long in the tooth? Let’s take a look at all 32 head coaches in the NFL.
List of NFL Head Coaches by Age
- Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs
65 | March 19, 1958 - John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
61 | Sept. 23, 1962 - Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys
60 | Nov. 10, 1963 - Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
60 | Nov. 18, 1963 - Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
60 | Dec. 23, 1963 - Sean Payton, Denver Broncos
59 | Dec. 29, 1963 - Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars
55 | Jan. 31, 1968 - Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears
53 | May 17, 1970 - Chris Tabor (Interim), Carolina Panthers
52 | March 4, 1971 - Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
51 | March 15, 1972 - Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints
51 | Sept. 22, 1972 - Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
49 | March 21, 1974 - Brian Daboll, New York Giants
48 | April 15, 1975 - Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
47 | April 13, 1976 - Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders
45 | Oct. 22, 1978
- Robert Saleh, New York Jets
44 | Jan. 31, 1979 - Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers
44 | Nov. 3, 1979 - Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
43 | Dec. 14, 1979 - Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles
42 | June 15, 1981 - Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
41 | May 8, 1982 - Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
40 | Jan. 4, 1983 - Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
40 | March 6, 1983 - Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
40 | May 10, 1983 - DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans
39 | July 28, 1984 - Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans
39 | June 10, 1984 - Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts
38 | May 11, 1985 - Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings
38 | May 25, 1985 - Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
37 | Jan. 24, 1986 - Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots
37 | Feb. 23, 1986 - Vacant, Washington Commanders
- Vacant, Atlanta Falcons
- Vacant, Seattle Seahawks
Who Is the Oldest NFL Head Coach?
After both Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll were fired, Andy Reid is currently the oldest head coach in the NFL.
The current Chiefs HC began his career in 1999 when he was hired by the Philadelphia Eagles. He spent 14 seasons with the Eagles, leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance and nine winning seasons. In 2012, after Reid’s worst season to date, the Eagles elected not to renew his contract. He then moved on to the Chiefs and has been there ever since.
Who Is the Youngest NFL Head Coach?
The youngest head coach in the NFL is now Jerod Mayo for the New England Patriots. Mayo is only 37 years old and was hired to take over for Bill Belichick after he was let go.
Mayo’s time with the Patriots started in 2008 when the team drafted him with the 10th overall pick out of Tennessee. He spent his entire eight-year career with New England and was a team captain for his last seven seasons.
Mayo made Pro Bowls in 2010 and 2012, along with being named first-team All-Pro in 2010. He won a championship when the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
How Old Do You Need To Be To Coach in the NFL?
There is no specific age requirement to being a head coach in the NFL, but much like the rules NFL players go through to be draft eligible, coaches need to be at least three years removed from high school to be eligible for employment.
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