Declan Doyle Bio, Age, Height, Wife, Family, Affairs, Career, Net Worth, NFL Coaching & More

From a student assistant at Iowa to calling plays for a two-time NFL MVP at 30, Declan Doyle has spent seven years climbing the NFL coaching ladder at a pace rarely seen in professional football. The newly hired Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator represents the next generation of NFL leadership—analytical, prepared, and unafraid of responsibility. But his rapid ascent comes with shadows: his father’s controversial exit from college football and the pressure of proving that youth can succeed where experience traditionally reigns.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Birth & Football Family
Declan Doyle was born in 1996 in Iowa City, Iowa—the heart of Hawkeye football country. He entered a world where football wasn’t just a sport but a way of life. His father, Chris Doyle, served as the University of Iowa’s head strength and conditioning coach from 1999 to 2020, becoming one of the most influential figures in college football’s physical development culture.

Iowa City West High School
Doyle attended Iowa City West High School, where he was a multi-sport athlete. Standing 6’2″ and weighing 220 lbs, he played quarterback and safety for the football team while also excelling in baseball. Perfect Game scouting reports from 2014 described him as having a “big strong build” with “present strength in body.” He was a left-handed batter and thrower who played first base and outfield, eventually signing with Iowa Western Community College.

College Path

• Iowa Western Community College (2014–2015): Played baseball as a freshman and served as team captain
• University of Iowa (2016–2018): Transferred as a sophomore, switched focus to coaching, and became a student offensive assistant for the Iowa Hawkeyes football program while completing his bachelor’s degree

The transition from player to coach came early—Doyle recognized his future lay in strategy rather than athletic performance.

Career Journey

Iowa Hawkeyes (2016–2018): The Foundation

As a student offensive assistant at Iowa, Doyle learned the fundamentals of college football coaching while his father ran the strength program. This period was cut short by controversy—his father Chris Doyle was fired in 2020 amid allegations of racial discrimination from former players, a scandal that resulted in a $4.175 million settlement paid by the University of Iowa to affected players.

The shadow of his father’s dismissal would follow Declan, though he had already moved on to the NFL by that point.

New Orleans Saints (2019–2022): The Sean Payton School

Breaking into the NFL
In 2019, at age 23, Doyle made an unconventional career move. He reached out to then-Saints assistant offensive line coach Brendan Nugent, an Iowa graduate, asking to visit OTAs. Doyle paid his own way to New Orleans, sat in on tight ends meetings (then led by current Lions head coach Dan Campbell), and impressed the staff enough to earn a job.

The Payton Influence
Sean Payton hired Doyle as an offensive assistant, beginning a mentorship that would define his early career. Doyle spent four seasons with the Saints (2019–2022), surviving Payton’s retirement after 2021 and remaining under new head coach Dennis Allen. He absorbed Payton’s offensive philosophy—meticulous preparation, innovative formations, and the West Coast offense principles that would become his trademark.

“Twice he’s pulled me from relative anonymity,” Doyle later said of Payton. “I’ve learned so much from Sean.”

Denver Broncos (2023–2024): First On-Field Role

Reunion with Payton
On February 25, 2023, Doyle joined the Denver Broncos as tight ends coach when Payton came out of retirement to lead the team. It was his first full-time NFL position with on-field responsibilities, overseeing a position group that struggled with injuries and inconsistent play.

Though the Broncos’ tight end production was modest, Doyle’s organizational skills and preparation impressed Payton and other league observers. He held the position for two seasons, developing a reputation as a detail-oriented coach who could manage complex game plans.

Chicago Bears (2025): Youngest Coordinator

Historic Hire
On January 28, 2025, the Chicago Bears hired Doyle as offensive coordinator under new head coach Ben Johnson. At 28 years old, he became the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL. The hire raised eyebrows—Doyle had never called plays and had only two years of position coach experience.

Role in Chicago
Johnson, who retained play-calling duties, described Doyle as his “COO”—chief operating officer of the offense. Doyle’s responsibilities included:

• Game plan development and installation
• Film study and opponent scouting
• Weekly preparation and organizational structure
• Working with quarterbacks and skill position players

The Bears’ offense flourished under the Johnson-Doyle partnership. Chicago finished 11-6, won the NFC North, and ranked 9th in points scored and 6th in yards gained—their first top-10 offensive finish in both categories since 2013. Quarterback Caleb Williams developed into one of the NFC’s best passers, and the rushing attack ranked top-five in the league.

The Eagles Interview
In January 2026, Doyle interviewed for the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator position but withdrew his name, initially appearing committed to Chicago. However, the interview reportedly went so well that Doyle came away believing he could land a head coaching job in the next cycle—a sign of his rising stock.

Baltimore Ravens (2026–present): Play-Calling Opportunity

The Move to Baltimore
On January 30, 2026, the Baltimore Ravens hired Doyle as their offensive coordinator. While technically a lateral move in title, the role represented a major step forward: Doyle would be the primary play-caller for the first time in his career.

The Challenge
Doyle inherits an offense led by two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, who is the same age as his coordinator (29). The 2025 Ravens offense had fallen to 11th in scoring—uncharacteristically low for a team accustomed to top-five finishes. With weapons including Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and Rashod Bateman, expectations are immediate and high.

Youth Movement
The hire continues a youth movement in Baltimore under new head coach Jesse Minter (defensive background). At 29, Doyle is now the youngest play-calling offensive coordinator in the NFL, tasked with reviving an offense that underperformed despite its talent.

Personal Life

Relationship Status
Declan Doyle maintains strict privacy regarding his personal life. As of 2026, no wife, girlfriend, or romantic partner has been publicly confirmed. Unlike many NFL figures who leverage relationships for publicity, Doyle has kept the focus entirely on football.

The Father Shadow
Doyle’s relationship with his father Chris remains complex and largely private. Chris Doyle was fired from Iowa in 2020 after multiple former Black players alleged racial disparities, bullying, and demeaning treatment. The scandal included a $4.175 million settlement and made Chris Doyle a pariah in college football—though some former players, including NFL stars Mike Daniels and Micah Hyde, defended his character.

Declan has never publicly addressed his father’s controversy, choosing instead to let his work speak for itself. The situation created an unspoken pressure: every success Declan achieves helps distance the family name from the scandal, while any failure risks association with his father’s disgrace.

Lifestyle & Interests
Doyle is described by colleagues as “extremely detail oriented, organized and structured”—traits that define both his professional and personal approach. He is known for working late nights and immersing himself in film study. His baseball background contributes to his analytical approach to football strategy.

Controversies

The Chris Doyle Connection
The most significant controversy surrounding Declan is his relationship to his father. When the Bears hired him in 2025, articles immediately noted the connection to “disgraced” former Iowa coach Chris Doyle. Critics questioned whether nepotism played a role in his rapid rise, though Declan’s NFL career began before his father’s scandal erupted.

Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand notably voted against the $4.175 million settlement, citing three racial discrimination cases under Iowa athletic director Gary Barta that cost over $7 million combined. The Doyle name became synonymous with the worst aspects of college football culture for many observers.

The Ditka Rumor
Unconfirmed reports suggested Doyle might be related to Bears legend Mike Ditka (as a nephew), which would have added another layer of intrigue to his Chicago tenure. These rumors were never substantiated but highlighted the fascination with his family connections.

Youth and Inexperience
Doyle’s rapid promotions have raised questions about whether he’s truly ready for play-calling responsibilities. At 29, he’ll be calling plays for a Super Bowl-contending team with a two-time MVP quarterback—pressure that would break many veteran coaches. His lack of playing experience (never played beyond junior college baseball) is also unusual for NFL coordinators.

Awards & Achievements

NFL Career Milestones:

• 2019: Hired as NFL offensive assistant (New Orleans Saints) at age 23
• 2023: Promoted to tight ends coach (Denver Broncos)
• 2025: Named offensive coordinator (Chicago Bears) at age 28—youngest in NFL
• 2026: Hired as offensive coordinator and play-caller (Baltimore Ravens) at age 29

Team Achievements:

• 2025 Chicago Bears: 11-6 record, NFC North champions, first playoff win since 2010
• 2025 Bears Offense: 9th in points, 6th in yards (first top-10 finish in both since 2013)

Physical Statistics

Quotes

On his rise:
“Twice he’s pulled me from relative anonymity. I’ve learned so much from Sean [Payton].”

On coaching philosophy:
“Knowledge is power.”

On his Bears opportunity:
“Being here is a little bit surreal.”

On preparation (via Ben Johnson):
“[He’s] extremely detail oriented, organized and structured to set the table and also be willing to work late nights.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth: $500,000 – $1 Million
Doyle’s net worth reflects his relatively short time in high-salary NFL roles. His earnings trajectory:

• Saints offensive assistant (2019–2022): ~$100,000–$150,000 annually
• Broncos tight ends coach (2023–2024): ~$300,000–$500,000 annually
• Bears offensive coordinator (2025): ~$1.5–$2 million annually
• Ravens offensive coordinator (2026): ~$1.5–$3 million annually (estimated, with play-calling premium)

Future Earnings Potential
Analysts project Doyle could command $3+ million annually if he succeeds as a play-caller, with head coaching opportunities potentially available by 2027 or 2028. His financial trajectory is steeply upward if the Ravens offense performs well.

Interesting Facts

1. Self-Funded NFL Start: Doyle paid his own way to Saints OTAs in 2019 to secure his first NFL job—a gamble that launched his career.
2. Baseball Captain: He was captain of his junior college baseball team before transitioning to football coaching.
3. Same Age as His QB: At 29, Doyle is exactly the same age as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, creating a unique peer-to-peer dynamic rare in NFL coach-player relationships.
4. The Dan Campbell Connection: Current Lions head coach Dan Campbell was the Saints tight ends coach when Doyle sat in on that 2019 meeting—Doyle has now worked with both Campbell and his mentor Sean Payton.
5. No Playing Experience: Unlike most NFL coordinators, Doyle never played football beyond high school—his expertise comes entirely from coaching and film study.
6. Iowa Roots: Despite his father’s scandal, Doyle has maintained connections to Iowa football through his early career there.
7. The “COO” Role: Ben Johnson’s description of Doyle as his “chief operating officer” reflects Doyle’s organizational brilliance rather than traditional X’s and O’s creativity.
8. Head Coach Trajectory: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported after his Eagles interview that Doyle “is on track for HC interviews next cycle”—suggesting he could be a head coaching candidate by 2027.

Did You Know Already?

• The Payton Pipeline: Sean Payton has now hired Doyle three times—Saints (2019), Broncos (2023), and effectively endorsed him to the Bears and Ravens.
• Iowa Western to NFL: Doyle’s path from junior college baseball captain to NFL offensive coordinator in 11 years is virtually unprecedented.
• The Brendan Nugent Connection: His break into the NFL came through a single email to an Iowa alum—proving that networking and initiative matter as much as talent.
• Controversy Avoidance: Doyle has never publicly addressed his father’s scandal or racial discrimination allegations, maintaining complete professional focus.
• Play-Calling Debut: The 2026 season will mark Doyle’s first time calling plays in a game since high school—if he called plays then.
• Lamar Jackson’s Age: Jackson was born January 7, 1997; Doyle was born in 1996—making the coordinator slightly older than his star quarterback.

Social Media Links

• Twitter/X: @DeclanDoyle – Not verified, minimal activity
• LinkedIn: Limited professional presence
• Instagram: Private/Not public
• Team Profiles: Baltimore Ravens Official Site

Note: Doyle maintains minimal social media presence, consistent with his private, work-focused persona.

FAQs

How old is Declan Doyle?
Declan Doyle is 29 years old, born in 1996 in Iowa City, Iowa.

Who is Declan Doyle’s father?
Declan’s father is Chris Doyle, the former University of Iowa strength and conditioning coach (1999–2020) who was fired amid allegations of racial discrimination and bullying. The scandal resulted in a $4.175 million settlement paid by Iowa to affected players.

What is Declan Doyle’s net worth?
Declan Doyle’s estimated net worth is $500,000 – $1 million, derived from NFL coaching salaries. His earnings have increased rapidly, from approximately $100,000 as an assistant to potentially $3 million as a play-calling coordinator.

Is Declan Doyle married?
As of 2026, Declan Doyle is not married and has no publicly confirmed girlfriend or romantic partner. He keeps his personal life strictly private.

How did Declan Doyle get into NFL coaching?
Doyle broke into the NFL by emailing Iowa alum Brendan Nugent (then Saints assistant) and paying his own way to observe 2019 Saints OTAs. Sean Payton was impressed and hired him as an offensive assistant.

What is Declan Doyle’s coaching philosophy?
Doyle comes from the Sean Payton coaching tree, emphasizing meticulous preparation, organizational structure, and West Coast offense principles. He’s known as a “COO” type—detail-oriented and structured rather than a creative play-caller.

Why did Declan Doyle leave the Bears for the Ravens?
While technically a lateral move (both are offensive coordinator positions), the Ravens job gives Doyle his first opportunity to be the primary play-caller—responsibility he didn’t have in Chicago under Ben Johnson.

Who has Declan Doyle coached under?
Doyle has worked under Sean Payton (Saints, Broncos), Dennis Allen (Saints), Ben Johnson (Bears), and now Jesse Minter (Ravens).

Conclusion

Declan Doyle represents a new archetype in NFL coaching: the young, analytical strategist who bypassed playing experience to climb the ranks through preparation and mentorship. At 29, he’s already coordinated offenses for two NFL franchises and will call plays for a Super Bowl contender. His story is one of ambition, timing, and the complex weight of family legacy.

Whether he succeeds or struggles in Baltimore, Doyle has already proven that the traditional path to NFL coaching stardom—decades of grinding through the ranks—is no longer the only route. His partnership with Lamar Jackson, two 29-year-olds tasked with reviving a championship-caliber offense, will be one of the 2026 NFL season’s most fascinating storylines.

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