Quick Read
- Davis Webb, 30, is interviewing for head coach positions with the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens.
- Webb currently serves as the Denver Broncos’ offensive pass game coordinator, a role he earned after two years as QBs coach.
- He played in the NFL and is praised for developing quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Bo Nix, who led the Broncos to the AFC playoffs in 2025.
- The Raiders have a history of hiring young coaches, including Lane Kiffin and John Madden, at similar ages.
In a league constantly searching for the next tactical genius, two prominent NFL franchises, the Las Vegas Raiders and the Baltimore Ravens, have turned their gaze towards a remarkably young and rapidly ascending figure: Davis Webb. Currently serving as the Denver Broncos’ offensive pass game coordinator, Webb, who will turn 31 later this month, stands as one of the youngest head coach candidates in recent memory, embodying a significant shift in how teams approach leadership roles.
The Raiders, fresh off the firing of head coach Pete Carroll, are actively seeking a new direction. Their search has led them to interview Webb, a move that signals a potential embrace of innovative, youth-driven leadership. Similarly, the Baltimore Ravens, navigating an unexpected coaching vacancy after parting ways with long-time head coach John Harbaugh, have also scheduled an interview with Webb. This dual interest underscores the widespread recognition of Webb’s burgeoning talent and his reputation as a rising star within the NFL coaching fraternity.
From Promising Draft Pick to Coaching Prodigy
Davis Webb’s journey to becoming a sought-after head coaching candidate is as unconventional as it is swift. Drafted by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, he was part of the same class as superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While his playing career didn’t reach the same heights as Mahomes’, Webb’s time as a backup quarterback across multiple NFL teams proved to be an invaluable apprenticeship. He spent a year with the Giants, then moved to the New York Jets, and later the Buffalo Bills, where he made his NFL debut in 2021. He rejoined the Giants in 2022, making his first and only NFL start that year, before transitioning fully into coaching.
During his playing days, Webb was renowned for being a ‘sponge,’ soaking up knowledge from a litany of successful offensive minds. He learned under the tutelage of coaches like Ben McAdoo, Rick Dennison, Brian Daboll, Ken Dorsey, Rob Boras, Jason Garrett, and Freddie Kitchens. This unique playing experience, characterized by constant learning and adaptation, provided him with a deep, multifaceted understanding of offensive schemes and quarterback development from the ground up.
His transition to coaching was remarkably rapid. In 2023, Sean Payton, a Super Bowl-winning head coach, brought Webb into the Denver Broncos organization as a quarterbacks coach. This was a significant leap, as Webb skipped the more traditional entry-level role of offensive quality control coach, moving directly into a position of substantial responsibility. After just two years in that role, his impact was undeniable, earning him a promotion to offensive pass game coordinator in 2025.
The Webb Effect: Developing Quarterbacks and Driving Success
The primary reason for Webb’s rapid ascent and the intense interest from NFL teams lies in his proven ability to develop quarterbacks. His work with Josh Allen during their time together in Buffalo garnered significant praise, so much so that when Brian Daboll departed for the Giants, the Bills reportedly attempted to promote Webb to quarterbacks coach immediately. This early success hinted at his innate talent for nurturing signal-callers.
However, it was his work with Bo Nix in Denver that truly cemented his reputation. Under Webb’s guidance, Nix developed ‘nicely’ in Denver, leading the Broncos to secure the one seed in the AFC playoffs in 2025. This tangible success with a young quarterback in a highly competitive division speaks volumes about Webb’s coaching philosophy and his effectiveness in translating theoretical knowledge into on-field results. His ability to connect with and elevate quarterback play is a critical asset in today’s pass-heavy NFL.
Beyond individual player development, Webb has also been a key part of offensive coordination under Sean Payton, one of the most respected offensive minds in the game. His experience working closely with Payton, Joe Lombardi, and John Morton as a coach further enriches his resume, demonstrating exposure to high-level strategic planning and game management.
A Raiders Tradition: Embracing Youthful Leadership
For the Las Vegas Raiders, considering a young coach like Davis Webb isn’t entirely new territory; it’s almost a part of their organizational DNA. The franchise has a storied history of taking chances on youthful, innovative leaders. At 30 years and 11 months, Webb would be almost the exact age Sean McVay was when he shattered records to become the youngest NFL head coach in the modern era with the Los Angeles Rams.
Historically, the Raiders have been pioneers in this regard. Lane Kiffin, famously hired by the Raiders, was 31 years and 8 months old. Legendary coach John Madden was 32 years and 10 months when he took the helm. Even the iconic Al Davis was just 33 years and 6 months when he first became head coach, and Jon Gruden was 34 years and 5 months when he began his tenure in Oakland. Mike Shanahan, another prominent figure, was 35 years and 6 months when he was hired. This pattern suggests that the Raiders are not afraid to buck conventional wisdom and invest in promising talent, regardless of age, provided they see the potential for groundbreaking success.
The Baltimore Ravens’ interest, on the other hand, comes from a different context. After 18 years with John Harbaugh, a highly respected coach who led them to 12 playoff berths and a Super Bowl victory, the team is looking for a fresh perspective. Harbaugh’s departure, despite his impressive win record and consistent playoff appearances, suggests a desire for a new voice in the locker room. Webb’s youth and dynamic approach could be seen as the ideal antidote to a relationship that, as some reports suggest, had grown stale.
The Modern NFL’s Embrace of Innovation
The league has witnessed a clear trend towards hiring younger, offensively-minded coaches who bring fresh perspectives and innovative schemes. The success of figures like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Zac Taylor has demonstrated that youth, combined with a sharp football mind and strong communication skills, can lead to rapid turnarounds and sustained success. Davis Webb fits this mold perfectly. His background as a player, having absorbed knowledge from numerous offensive systems, gives him a unique blend of theoretical understanding and practical experience.
His rapid promotion within the Broncos’ coaching staff, bypassing traditional steps, speaks volumes about the confidence Sean Payton and the organization had in his abilities. This isn’t just about being young; it’s about being exceptionally prepared, highly intelligent, and possessing a proven track record of elevating those around him.
Davis Webb’s emergence as a top head coaching candidate signals a definitive shift in the NFL’s hiring philosophy, prioritizing innovative offensive minds and proven quarterback development over sheer years of experience. His unique blend of playing background, rapid coaching ascent, and demonstrable success with high-profile quarterbacks presents a compelling case for both the Raiders and Ravens, who appear ready to gamble on a young visionary to reshape their franchises’ futures. The league is clearly looking for leaders who can evolve with the game, and Webb’s candidacy is a testament to this evolving landscape.