There are 134 FBS football teams, which means there are 134 head coaches guiding their respective programs. These programs range from storied blue-chip institutions to newcomers just starting their journey in the FBS. The diversity among these coaches is striking, showcasing a wide array of experiences, backgrounds, and coaching philosophies.
Last season, the college football landscape saw UNC’s Mack Brown standing out as the oldest head coach at age 73. However, in a surprising twist, the Tar Heels decided to replace him with a slightly younger option: 72-year-old Bill Belichick, who now holds the title of the oldest coach in college football. This change has sparked conversations about the age dynamics in coaching, as teams look for fresh perspectives while also valuing seasoned experience.
On the flip side, the sport is also witnessing a surge of promising young head coaches. The youngest among them is just 34 years old, and many big-name schools are embracing this trend. In fact, four of the eight youngest coaches in the upcoming 2024-25 season have already made their mark by leading their teams into the College Football Playoff. This phenomenon raises the question: Are younger coaches the future of college football?
Meet the Youngest Coaches in College Football
Age is current as of January 15, 2025. Let’s dive into the ranks of the youngest head coaches, showcasing their backgrounds, records, and what makes them stand out in this competitive arena.
1. Kenny Dillingham — Arizona State
- Age: 34
- Experience: 2 Years
- Record: 14-12 (11-3 in 2024)
Kenny Dillingham’s journey is a testament to determination and talent. He began his coaching career at Arizona State University in 2014 as an offensive assistant. After gaining valuable experience at Memphis, Auburn, Florida State, and Oregon, he returned to his alma mater as head coach. Dillingham has already led the Sun Devils to the CFP quarterfinals against Texas, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level.
2. Scotty Walden — UTEP
- Age: 35
- Experience: 1 Year
- Record: 3-9
Scotty Walden’s coaching journey began after playing Division II football at Sul Ross State University. He climbed the ranks from offensive coordinator to head coach at Austin Peay before taking the reins at UTEP. Although the Miners had a challenging 2024 season with a 3-9 record, there’s optimism for improvement in the coming years.
3. G.J. Kinne — Texas State
- Age: 36
- Experience: 2 Years
- Record: 16-10 (8-5 in 2024)
G.J. Kinne’s path to head coach was paved by his experiences as a quarterback in college. After a brief professional career, he transitioned into coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at SMU. Kinne’s impressive record at Texas State, including a solid 8-5 in 2024, highlights his potential to lead the program to new heights.
4. Spencer Danielson — Boise State
- Age: 36
- Experience: 2 Years
- Record: 15-3 (12-2 in 2024)
Spencer Danielson’s coaching career took off after he played linebacker in college. His rise through the ranks at Boise State culminated in a successful first season as head coach, where he led the team to a quarterfinal appearance in the 2024 CFP. His ability to connect with players and implement effective strategies has made him a rising star in the coaching world.
5. Sean Lewis — San Diego State
- Age: 38
- Experience: 1 Year
- Record: 3-9
Sean Lewis transitioned from a tight end at Wisconsin to a high school coach before returning to the college ranks. After serving as head coach at Kent State, he took over at San Diego State in 2024. Despite a tough first season, Lewis is focused on rebuilding the Aztecs and restoring the program’s competitiveness.
6. Dan Lanning — Oregon
- Age: 38
- Experience: 3 Years
- Record: 35-6 (13-1 in 2024)
Dan Lanning’s coaching journey began at the high school level, and he quickly made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator at Georgia. Since taking over as head coach at Oregon, he has led the Ducks to impressive records, including a remarkable 13-1 season in 2024. Lanning’s strategic mind and leadership skills have positioned Oregon as a formidable contender.
7. Sherrone Moore — Michigan
- Age: 38
- Experience: 1 Year
- Record: 9-5 (8-5 in 2024)
Sherrone Moore’s ascent to head coach at Michigan is a testament to his hard work and dedication. After serving as an offensive coordinator and acting head coach, he took over the program in 2024. Moore’s experience and understanding of the game will be crucial as he leads the Wolverines forward.
8. Marcus Freeman — Notre Dame
- Age: 39
- Experience: 4 Years
- Record: 33-9 (14-1 in 2024, so far)
Marcus Freeman’s journey from linebacker at Ohio State to head coach at Notre Dame is inspiring. After a successful tenure as defensive coordinator, he took over the Fighting Irish and has already led them to a national championship game against his alma mater. Freeman’s leadership and passion for the game have made him a key figure in college football.
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 season, it’s clear that the landscape of college football coaching is evolving. With a blend of seasoned veterans and dynamic young leaders, the future of the sport is bright. Who knows what exciting developments await us as these coaches continue to shape their programs and inspire the next generation of athletes?
