Declan Doyle’s Journey From a 22-year-old Offensive Assistant

Declan Doyle’s rise through the NFL coaching ranks began with a clear ambition and a willingness to put in the hours. In 2019, aged 22, he arrived in New Orleans after securing his first professional gig as an offensive assistant. Doyle had already mapped out where he wanted his career to go, writing goals on sticky notes and placing them around his mirror.

One target was particularly ambitious: become the youngest offensive coordinator in NFL history by January 2024. Doyle secured his first coordinator position with the Chicago Bears in 2025, one year later than the date he had written down. By then, he was known for his preparation and attention to detail that had helped him progress so quickly.

From the Ground Up

Doyle’s development began as a student assistant at the University of Iowa, where he reportedly spent around 100 hours a week on football duties alongside a full academic workload. His responsibilities included preparing scouting cards during university classes.

He later became a graduate assistant at Baylor University before moving into the NFL. His early experience gave him exposure to the demands of offensive preparation, studying opponents and organizing information that players could use during games.

Stepping Towards the Top With Chicago

The Bears appointment in 2025 came at an age when many coaches are still working towards senior assistant positions. 

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His move to Baltimore made him the youngest offensive playcaller in the league at 30 years old. 

There are now nine offensive coordinators aged 35 or younger, with the Jaguars’ Grant Udinski also just 30. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley described the millennial coaching minds born in the 1990s as “relentless”. 

Baltimore: Biggest Test Yet?

In Doyle’s first season with the Ravens, injuries have disrupted the quarterback position and offensive line, forcing repeated changes.

Doyle has a sign inside the offensive room: “Nobody adjusts better than us.” This season is putting that to the test, with Ravens’ top three centers all suffering season-ending injuries. 

The young coach has had to be creative; in Week 6 against Cleveland, tight end Josh Cuevas lined up between the centre and left guard, positioned far enough behind the line to remain an eligible receiver. The unusual alignment confused the defence, allowing Cuevas to break into open space for a 29-yard reception.

Ravens tight end Mark Andrews described Doyle as somebody who knows where he’s going in life. Doyle isn’t “copycatting guys” but making his own plays and setting trends.

Some players reportedly believe that Doyle is too cold, but when asked about not showing any emotion after his team scores, Doyle said he tries to eliminate anything that might cloud his judgment.

So far, his judgment has helped him break an NFL record. Baltimore’s Zay Flowers calls him a “genius”.