The NFL is no longer ruled only by veteran coaches in their 60s. In recent years, teams have started trusting younger minds to lead their franchises. The result is a new wave of head coaches under 40 who are already running some of the league’s biggest teams.Here is a look at the top five NFL head coaches under 40 in 2026, and how much they are earning right now.
Joe Brady
Joe Brady became the youngest head coach in the league when the Bills promoted him after firing Sean McDermott in January 2026. He had already built a strong reputation working with Josh Allen and improving Buffalo’s offense. Now, he faces pressure to take the Bills to the Super Bowl. League sources believe Brady was earning around $400,000 annually as a Bills offensive coordinator..
Kellen Moore
Kellen Moore is the youngest head coach in the NFL. The Saints hired him in January 2025 after his strong season as offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles. He took charge of a rebuilding Saints team that had missed the playoffs for four straight seasons. Despite his age, he is seen as one of the sharpest offensive minds in the league. He is estimated to make $5 million to $7.5 million per year.Moore more than doubled his previous salary, showing how valuable young offensive coaches have become.
Mike Macdonald
Mike Macdonald is one of the fastest-rising defensive coaches in the NFL. The Seahawks hired him after his success as defensive coordinator with the Ravens.Seattle’s defense improved quickly under his leadership, and the team sees him as a long-term answer. His estimated salary is around $9 million per year and that makes him one of the highest-paid young coaches in the league.
Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson finally took a head coaching job after years of interest from several teams. The Bears hired him to fix their struggling offense and develop their young quarterback.Johnson is known for his creative play-calling and calm leadership style. His estimated salary is around $13 million per year. His pay reflects both his experience and the high expectations in Chicago.
Sean McVay
Sean McVay is the pioneer of this young-coach movement. He became the youngest head coach in NFL history in 2017 and has already won a Super Bowl.Even after nearly a decade, he is still under 40 and remains one of the league’s most respected coaches. His estimated salary is around $15 million per year and is the highest-paid coach under 40 and among the top-paid in the entire NFL.The average age of NFL head coaches has dropped sharply over the past decade. Teams now prefer younger coaches who understand modern offenses, analytics, and player management.With rising salaries and long contracts this new generation is not just young, they are also very well paid. And judging by early results, the NFL’s future is in safe hands.
