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The Ultimate List: 5 Youngest Head Coaches In College Football Right Now (2025)

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The landscape of college football is constantly shifting, but one trend is becoming undeniable: the rise of the coaching prodigy. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the title of the youngest head coach in college football is a dynamic one, depending on whether you're looking at the entire NCAA or just the high-profile Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The current absolute youngest leader in the entire NCAA is a Division II coach who has already achieved historic success at an astonishingly young age.

This article dives deep into the careers of the men shattering age barriers, highlighting the absolute youngest coach in the nation and the fresh-faced leader taking over a major FBS program, proving that experience is no longer the only prerequisite for a top job. We will examine their biographies, coaching philosophies, and the records they are setting.

The Absolute Youngest NCAA Head Coach: Kris McCullough

The distinction of the youngest head coach across all NCAA divisions belongs to a rising star in Division II. This coach is a testament to the belief that innovation and leadership can trump years of traditional experience on the sideline.

Kris McCullough: Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Kris McCullough
  • Date of Birth: October 11, 1995
  • Current Age (as of late 2024/early 2025): 29
  • Current Position: Head Football Coach, University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) Falcons
  • NCAA Division: Division II (DII)
  • Conference: Lone Star Conference (LSC)
  • Notable Achievement: Led UTPB to their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance.

The 29-Year-Old Who Rewrote the UTPB Record Books

Kris McCullough became the nation's youngest head coach when he was hired by the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) at the age of 27. His coaching journey is a rapid ascent, demonstrating an immediate impact that few coaches achieve in their entire careers. McCullough first gained attention as the interim head coach at East Central University (D-II) at just 26 years old.

His arrival at UTPB in Odessa, Texas, marked a turning point for the Falcons program. In just his second season, McCullough achieved what no coach before him had: leading the UTPB Falcons to their first-ever NCAA Division II playoff appearance in 2023. This historic run cemented his reputation as a true coaching prodigy and a master of program building. His offensive-minded approach and ability to connect with young players have been key to his success in the Lone Star Conference.

The Youngest Head Coach in FBS (Division I)

While the overall youngest coach is in Division II, the most visible and high-pressure coaching environment is the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). The title for the youngest FBS head coach has recently changed hands, reflecting the demand for young, innovative minds at the highest level of college football.

Zach Kittley: The New Youngest FBS Leader

The current youngest head coach in the FBS is Zach Kittley of the Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Owls. Kittley was hired for the FAU job in December 2024, taking over the program at the age of 33.

Kittley, born on August 14, 1991, is only slightly younger than the previous holder of this title, Kenny Dillingham. His hiring is a clear signal that FAU is prioritizing an exciting, high-powered offensive philosophy. Kittley is renowned for his work as an offensive coordinator, particularly for his success with high-octane passing attacks.

The FBS Young Guns: A New Era of Coaching

The race for the youngest FBS head coach is incredibly tight, with several coaches in their early-to-mid 30s leading major programs. These coaches represent a new generation that has embraced analytics, modern offensive schemes, and a direct communication style with players.

Here are the youngest head coaches in the FBS as of the 2024-2025 season:

  • 1. Zach Kittley (Florida Atlantic)
    • Age: 34 (Born: August 14, 1991)
    • Division: FBS (Conference USA)
    • Key Background: Known for his Air Raid offensive background and success as an offensive coordinator before his first head coaching role.
  • 2. Kenny Dillingham (Arizona State)
    • Age: 34 (Born: April 28, 1990)
    • Division: FBS (Pac-12/Big 12)
    • Key Background: A Phoenix native and ASU alumnus who started coaching high school football at just 17. He was the youngest Power 5 head coach when hired.
  • 3. Scotty Walden (UTEP)
    • Age: 35 (Born: November 15, 1989)
    • Division: FBS (Conference USA)
    • Key Background: Known for his energetic personality and successful tenure at Austin Peay.
  • 4. G.J. Kinne (Texas State)
    • Age: 36 (Born: December 1, 1988)
    • Division: FBS (Sun Belt)
    • Key Background: Former NFL quarterback who quickly rose through the coaching ranks.
  • 5. Spencer Danielson (Boise State)
    • Age: 36 (Born: November 11, 1988)
    • Division: FBS (Mountain West)
    • Key Background: Had a successful interim stint before being named the permanent head coach.

Historical Context: The Youngest to Achieve Greatness

While today's young coaches are setting new age records, the history of college football is filled with stories of youthful success. Understanding this context helps appreciate the pressure and potential these young leaders face.

Danny Ford: The National Champion Prodigy

Perhaps the most famous example of a young coach achieving the pinnacle of the sport is Danny Ford. Ford was only 33 years old when he led the Clemson Tigers to a perfect 12-0 season and the national championship in 1981. This feat makes him the youngest coach in college football history to win a national title, a record that stands to this day. Ford took over the program mid-season in 1978 at the age of 30, demonstrating that age is truly just a number when it comes to high-level strategy and team management.

The Challenge of Youth in Power 5 Coaching

The journey for a young head coach is fraught with unique challenges. They must quickly establish authority over a coaching staff that often includes older, more experienced mentors. They face intense media scrutiny, the demands of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, and the pressure of the transfer portal—all while building a program identity.

Coaches like McCullough and Kittley must leverage their youth as an advantage: a deeper connection with the generation of players they are recruiting, a willingness to adopt cutting-edge strategies, and boundless energy. Their success is paving the way for future coaching prodigies who are looking to bypass the traditional decades-long climb up the assistant coach ladder. The focus is no longer on simply being young, but on delivering results and building a sustainable program that can compete for championships.

youngest head coach in college football
youngest head coach in college football

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