The NFL coaching landscape is changing fast. Gone are the days when head coaches were mostly veterans with decades of experience. In 2026, the league is clearly moving toward a younger, smarter, and more innovative generation of head coaches. Teams are now trusting leaders in their late 30s and early 40s to run franchises worth billions.
These coaches grew up studying modern offenses, advanced defensive schemes, analytics, and player-friendly locker room cultures. Many of them are former offensive or defensive coordinators who earned respect quickly and were promoted earlier than expected.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 Youngest NFL Head Coaches in 2026, based on age as of January 2026, hiring year, and early impact.
Top 10 Youngest NFL Head Coaches (2026)
| Rank | Coach | Team | Age (2026) | Hired As HC | Coaching Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kellen Moore | New Orleans Saints | 37 | 2025 | Offensive, QB-focused |
| 2 | Mike Macdonald | Seattle Seahawks | 38 | 2024 | Defensive mastermind |
| 3 | Ben Johnson | Chicago Bears | 39 | 2025 | Modern offense |
| 4 | Sean McVay | Los Angeles Rams | 40 | 2017 | Offensive innovator |
| 5 | Liam Coen | Atlanta Falcons* | 39–40 | 2025–26 | Play-calling expert |
| 6 | Jesse Minter | Baltimore Ravens* | ~40 | 2025–26 | Elite defense |
| 7 | Aaron Glenn | Detroit Lions* | 41–42 | 2025–26 | Defensive leadership |
| 8 | Zac Taylor | Cincinnati Bengals | 42 | 2019 | QB-friendly offense |
| 9 | Kevin O’Connell | Minnesota Vikings | 41 | 2022 | Passing offense |
| 10 | Mike McDaniel | Miami Dolphins | 42 | 2022 | Speed-based offense |
*Teams may vary based on the 2025–26 hiring cycle.
1. Kellen Moore – New Orleans Saints (Age: 37)
Kellen Moore became the youngest head coach in the NFL after taking over the New Orleans Saints in January 2025. Known for his sharp offensive mind, Moore had already built a strong reputation as an offensive coordinator before getting the top job.
His first season record (6–11) doesn’t tell the full story. The Saints’ offense showed clear improvement, and many young players took big steps forward.
Did You Know?
Moore was once an NFL quarterback himself and is respected league-wide for his football IQ and play design.
Also see: Most Turnovers in an NFL Game
2. Mike Macdonald – Seattle Seahawks (Age: 38)
At just 38, Mike Macdonald has already given the Seattle Seahawks a fresh defensive identity. After success as a defensive coordinator in college and the NFL, he was hired in 2024.
Seattle’s defense became more disciplined and aggressive under his leadership.
Did You Know?
Macdonald helped build championship-level defenses at both Michigan and Baltimore before becoming a head coach.
3. Ben Johnson – Chicago Bears (Age: 39)
Ben Johnson is widely viewed as one of the brightest offensive minds in football. Hired in 2025, he quickly helped the Chicago Bears turn into a playoff contender.
His creative play-calling and quarterback development skills have earned league-wide praise.
Did You Know?
Johnson rose to fame after transforming Detroit’s offense before becoming a head coach.
Also see: Josh McDaniels Coaching Career
4. Sean McVay – Los Angeles Rams (Age: 40)
Sean McVay remains the gold standard for young coaches. Hired at just 30 years old in 2017 by the Los Angeles Rams, he changed how teams view coaching age.
With a Super Bowl win and multiple playoff runs, McVay is still the benchmark for modern NFL coaching.
Did You Know?
Many of today’s young head coaches come from McVay’s coaching tree.
5. Liam Coen – Rising Young Coach
Liam Coen emerged during the 2025–26 hiring cycle after impressive work as an offensive coordinator. Known for smart play design and adaptability, he represents the league’s growing trust in young offensive thinkers.
6. Jesse Minter – Defensive Specialist
After leading elite defenses and winning championships at the college level, Jesse Minter entered the NFL head coaching conversation as a strong defensive leader with modern ideas.
7. Aaron Glenn – Defensive Leader on the Rise (Age: 41–42)
Aaron Glenn represents the new wave of defensive-minded head coaches in the NFL. After earning strong respect for his work as a defensive coordinator, Glenn entered the head coaching conversation during the 2025–26 hiring cycle.
Known for his player-first leadership style and strong locker-room presence, Glenn focuses heavily on discipline, physical defense, and accountability. His background as a former NFL player also helps him connect easily with modern athletes.
Did You Know?
Aaron Glenn played 15 seasons in the NFL, which gives him instant credibility with players.
8. Zac Taylor – Quarterback-Friendly Coach (Age: 42)
Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, continues to be one of the youngest long-tenured coaches in the league. Hired in 2019, Taylor helped change the Bengals’ identity with a modern, quarterback-focused offense.
He is known for calm decision-making, trust in young players, and adapting game plans to personnel strengths rather than rigid systems.
Did You Know?
Taylor comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree, which has produced multiple NFL head coaches.
9. Kevin O’Connell – Passing-Game Specialist (Age: 41)
Kevin O’Connell has quickly built a reputation as one of the smartest offensive coaches in the NFL. Leading the Minnesota Vikings, O’Connell emphasizes precision passing, spacing, and quarterback confidence.
Despite being just in his early 40s, he commands respect with clear communication and modern offensive concepts that fit today’s fast-paced NFL.
Did You Know?
O’Connell is a former NFL quarterback, which strongly influences his offensive philosophy.
10. Mike McDaniel – Creative Mind of the Modern NFL (Age: 42)
Mike McDaniel, head coach of the Miami Dolphins, is one of the most unique personalities in NFL coaching. His offense is built around speed, motion, and creativity, making Miami one of the most exciting teams to watch.
McDaniel’s analytical approach and unconventional style show how the NFL is embracing innovation over tradition.
Did You Know?
McDaniel is known league-wide for using advanced analytics more deeply than most head coaches.
