NFL Coaching Landscape Reshuffled: All Vacancies Filled
With the appointment of Kellen Moore as the New Orleans Saints’ new head coach, the NFL coaching carousel has come to a halt. Seven teams embarked on the offseason seeking a new leader, and the Saints were the final franchise to secure their man.
Influx of First-Time Head Coaches
New Orleans joins a group of five teams opting for first-time head coaches in the 2025 season. Chicago has entrusted their fortunes to Ben Johnson, while Jacksonville has turned to Liam Coen. Dallas has promoted Brian Schottenheimer, and the New York Jets have hired Aaron Glenn.
Experience Prevails in New England and Las Vegas
In contrast, the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders sought experience in their head coaching hires. Former Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel will take the reins in New England, having previously led the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2023. The Raiders have tapped Pete Carroll, a Super Bowl winner and former Seattle Seahawks coach, to guide their team.
Youthful Trend in NFL Coaching
The NFL coaching ranks are trending younger than ever. As of the 2024 season, the average age of an NFL coach was 47.7 years old, a 25-year low. This trend continues ahead of 2025.
Youngest Head Coaches in the NFL
Three of the seven new head coaches in 2025 will rank among the youngest in the league. At 36 years old, Moore takes the mantle of youngest head coach from Seahawks’ Mike Macdonald. Here are the five youngest head coaches entering next season:
- Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints (36)
- Mike Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks (???)
- Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears (37)
- Aaron Glenn, New York Jets (38)
- Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars (39)
Oldest Head Coach Returns to the NFL
One of the new hires this cycle will also become the oldest coach in the league by a wide margin. Carroll, at 70 years old, is the only coach in his 70s and is seven years older than the next-oldest coach. Here are the five oldest head coaches heading into the 2025 season:
- Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders (70)
- Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Wolverines (63)
- Sean Payton, Denver Broncos (61)
- Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars (60)
- Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys (59)
Conclusion
The NFL coaching landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the hiring of seven new head coaches. The influx of first-time leaders and the youthful trend signal a shift in the game. However, the return of experienced figures like Mike Vrabel and Pete Carroll adds balance to the league. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on these new leaders to make their mark on the NFL.
