College football’s youngest head coaches are making their mark, with several leading programs to the College Football Playoff in 2024-25.
Kenny Dillingham of Arizona State, at 34, stands as the youngest FBS head coach. The ASU alum led the Sun Devils to an 11-3 record in 2024 and a CFP quarterfinal appearance against Texas. His overall record is 14-12 in two seasons.
UTEP’s Scotty Walden, 35, completed his first season with a 3-9 record. The former Division II player and coach aims to rebuild a program that’s seen just two winning seasons in the past decade.
G.J. Kinne, 36, has guided Texas State to a 16-10 record over two seasons. The former quarterback transitioned from playing in the NFL and CFL to coaching, working his way up through assistant roles at SMU and UCF.
Boise State’s Spencer Danielson, also 36, posted a 12-2 record in 2024, reaching the CFP quarterfinals. The former linebacker rose from graduate assistant to head coach over seven seasons with the Broncos.
Sean Lewis, 38, took over at San Diego State after serving as Colorado’s offensive coordinator. The former Wisconsin tight end went 3-9 in his first season leading the Aztecs.
Dan Lanning has transformed Oregon into a national power at age 38. The former Georgia defensive coordinator has compiled a 35-6 record in three seasons, including 13-1 in 2024.
Michigan’s Sherrone Moore, 38, succeeded Jim Harbaugh in 2024. The former offensive lineman went 8-5 in his first full season after serving as offensive coordinator.
Marcus Freeman, 39, has Notre Dame in the national championship game against Ohio State. The former Buckeyes linebacker has built a 33-9 record in four seasons, including 14-1 in 2024.
He’ll face Ryan Day, 45, who despite being among the younger coaches in FBS, falls outside the top eight youngest.
Ages current as of Jan. 15, 2025.
