The NFL is no stranger to experienced leadership, but the addition of Pete Carroll as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders has pushed the boundaries of age in the league. Set to become the oldest head coach in NFL history when he takes the field in 2025, Carroll will lead a team undergoing a significant rebuild. At nearly 74 years old, Carroll joins a select group of coaches who continued their NFL careers well into their 70s.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five oldest coaches in NFL history.
5. Bill Belichick – 71 Years, 266 Days (New England Patriots)
Belichick coached his most recent game on January 7, 2024, at 71 years, 266 days old. Belichick has an all-time coaching record of 330 wins, including playoffs, ranking third in NFL history. His postseason record of 31-13 (.705) is the most playoff wins by any head coach. He has led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl victories, tying for the most championships in league history.
Belichick’s defensive expertise was evident as early as 1990 when he coordinated the New York Giants defense, which allowed just 13.2 points per game. Over his career, he has earned three NFL Coach of the Year awards (2003, 2007, 2010) and remains an active legend in the league.
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4. Marv Levy – 72 Years, 139 Days (Buffalo Bills)
Levy coached his final game for the Buffalo Bills on December 20, 1997, at 72 years, 139 days old. During his 17-year NFL career, Levy achieved a regular season record of 154-120 (.562) and an 11-8 playoff record. He is best known for leading the Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1990 to 1993, a feat unmatched in NFL history.
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Moreover, Levy’s success extended to the Canadian Football League, where he won two Grey Cups with the Montreal Alouettes in 1974 and 1977. His 154 coaching wins rank 21st all-time in NFL history. Levy was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, reinforcing his position as one of the greatest and most respected coaches in football history.
3. George Halas – 72 Years, 318 Days (Chicago Bears)
Halas coached his final game on December 17, 1967, at 72 years and 318 days old, after an unparalleled 47-year tenure as head coach of the Chicago Bears. He led the team to six NFL championships (1921, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1946, 1963) and compiled a regular season record of 318-148-31 (.682), ranking second all-time in coaching wins.
Halas’s legacy extends beyond his coaching record. He founded the Chicago Bears and was crucial in the establishment of the NFL itself. His 1940 Bears team recorded a 73-0 victory over Washington, still the largest margin of victory in league history. Halas was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 as a member of its inaugural class.
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2. Romeo Crennel – 73 Years, 199 Days (Houston Texans)
Crennel became the second-oldest NFL head coach in history when he served as interim head coach of the Houston Texans in 2020 at 73 years and 199 days old. Crennel’s NFL tenure spanned 39 years, including 8 seasons as a head coach with a record of 32-63 (.337). As a defensive coordinator, he played an important role in five Super Bowl victories (1986, 1990 with the Giants and 2001, 2003, 2004 with the Patriots).
Many knew Crennel for his defensive brilliance, particularly during the Patriots’ 2003 season when they ranked first in scoring defense, allowing just 238 points. Throughout his career, he coordinated defenses for five teams, including the Texans, Browns, and Patriots, leaving a legacy as one of the league’s most respected defensive minds.
1. Pete Carroll – 73 Years 351 Days (Las Vegas Raiders)
Carroll, hired by the Las Vegas Raiders for the 2025 NFL season, will become the oldest coach in NFL history at 73 years and 351 days when he takes the field on September 7 or 8. Carroll’s NFL career spans 27 years as a head coach, with a regular season record of 170-120-1 (.586) and 11 playoff victories across 10 appearances. He guided the Seattle Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014. His teams won three NFC Championships (2013, 2014, 2020), and Carroll is ranked 17th in all-time coaching wins.
The Raiders finished 6-11 in the 2024 season, securing the No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Carroll signed a three-year deal with a fourth-year team option, tasked with turning around a struggling franchise. Known for his defensive expertise, his 2013 Seahawks team led the NFL in points allowed (231), total yards allowed (4,378), and takeaways (39), which shows his ability to build elite defenses.
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