The NFL is a constantly evolving league, and over the last few years, there has been an undeniable trend toward younger head coaches taking charge. Gone are the days when seasoned vets ruled the sidelines—now, teams are all in on fresh minds to lead the charge.
Wondering where this youth movement began? Look no further than the Los Angeles Rams’ decision to hire Sean McVay in 2017. At just 30 years old, McVay became the youngest head coach in modern NFL history, and his rapid success has turned heads across the league. Other NFL franchises took note, sparking a wave of younger, offensive-minded coaches getting their shot to run a team.
Entering the 2024 season, the average age of NFL head coaches is just 47.7 years. And while many of the top young guns come from offensive backgrounds, the league’s youngest coach made his name on defense. Let’s dive into the youngest NFL coaches in 2024 and take a closer look at their NFL journeys.
Who Is The Youngest NFL Head Coach In 2024 Season?
Mike Macdonald is currently the youngest NFL head coach. At 37, he’s in his first season as the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks after spending years building his defensive skills.
Macdonald’s path to this role was far from the fast track. He began as a defensive assistant, quickly rising through the Ravens’ ranks and building a strong reputation. After a short stint as Michigan’s defensive coordinator, he returned to the Ravens as DC, creating one of the NFL’s toughest defenses.
Now, he’s stepping into the big shoes left by Pete Carroll in Seattle. Macdonald’s defensive background stands out in an offense-driven league. His age makes him an important figure in the NFL’s youth movement.
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Other Youngest NFL Coaches in 2024
4. Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings (39 years old)
Kevin O’Connell, a former NFL quarterback, has quickly become one of the top offensive minds in the league. Now, at 39, he’s leading the Minnesota Vikings in his second season as head coach after a successful stint as the Rams’ offensive coordinator under—who else—Sean McVay.
O’Connell played quarterback in the NFL for teams like the Patriots and Chargers before turning his attention to coaching. His rise through the coaching ranks was swift, thanks to his understanding of offensive systems and his ability to connect with players. In Minnesota, O’Connell has transformed the Vikings’ offense into a dynamic, high-scoring unit, helping maximize the talents of players like Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousins.
3. Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts (39 years old)
Shane Steichen is another coach who made his name on the offensive side of the ball. At 39, he’s already helped develop two-star quarterbacks: Justin Herbert with the Chargers and Jalen Hurts with the Eagles.
Steichen took over as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts in 2023, charged with revitalizing a team that had been searching for stability. His reputation as a quarterback whisperer made him an attractive hire for a Colts team drafting Anthony Richardson, one of the most intriguing QB prospects in years. If Steichen can unlock Richardson’s potential, he could solidify his standing as one of the league’s top young minds.
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2. Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots (38 years old)
Jerod Mayo is another rising star on the defensive side of the ball. At just 38, he’s ready to lead the New England Patriots into a new era. Many see him as the potential heir to the legendary Bill Belichick. Officially, he serves as the linebackers coach and defensive play-caller. However, it’s clear that Mayo has taken on more responsibilities each year. This is especially true now that Belichick is in his 70s.
Mayo was a star linebacker for the Patriots before turning to coaching in 2019. His knowledge of Belichick’s intricate defense and leadership ability made him a natural fit for a larger role. New England fans can’t wait to see if Mayo brings his mentor’s disciplined, tough style to the Patriots’ next generation.
1. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams (38 years old)
It seems like only yesterday that Sean McVay was shaking up the NFL as the youngest head coach in history. Fast forward to 2024, and the 38-year-old McVay is still one of the league’s youngest coaches—but now with a Super Bowl title under his belt.
McVay’s journey began with his hiring by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, where he immediately made an impact, transforming the franchise and turning quarterback Jared Goff into a star. McVay’s offensive genius became the blueprint for teams around the league looking for the next big thing. His innovative schemes and ability to maximize the talent around him led the Rams to the Super Bowl twice, finally winning it all in 2021 with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
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