{"id":1037180,"date":"2026-09-01T16:50:23","date_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:50:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1037180\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T16:50:23","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T16:50:23","slug":"nfl-50-under-40-young-coaches-execs-and-strategists-who-are-changing-the-league","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/1037180\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL 50 under 40: Young coaches, execs and strategists who are changing the league"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is The Athletic\u2019s NFL 50 under 40, a list of rising coaches, executives and other personnel who significantly impact the league and the sport.<\/p>\n

Over the last year, we closely monitored a group of more than 100 people who were in contention for this list. Nominations are an extremely important part of the process; many of these candidates were put forward by their colleagues, their bosses or even their competitors, while others were suggested by high-profile team and league sources. Candidates were observed and debated over the span of several months, and eventually the group was narrowed to 50 names. Nominees do not have to hold the most important job in a building to stand out; in fact, on the list this year are many of the league\u2019s unsung heroes who are extraordinary in their specific roles, such as position coaches, behind-the-scenes league officials or lesser-known scouts.<\/p>\n

Media personalities and analysts were removed from contention this year. People who directly cover the NFL as broadcast, print, podcast or digital journalists were not considered, nor were active players.<\/p>\n

3 women of interest in our ‘NFL 50 under 40’ list<\/p>\n

Jourdan Rodrigue<\/p>\n

This list began in 2020 as the 40 under 40, a response to hiring trends that elevated younger coaches and executives. Legions of 30-somethings skyrocketed to the top of organizations during the late-2010s. More time has only revealed a growing pool of talented young people \u2014 and merited the list\u2019s expansion to 50 names. The process grows more competitive each year; this year was our toughest yet.<\/p>\n

Not every standout organization is packed with 30-something nominees; in fact, some of the best franchises in football remain so in part because they\u2019ve emphasized continuity and developed talent in-house for many years.<\/p>\n

That said, the intent of this list has always been to reveal something deeper than just the surface-level trend of the last decade. These are the movers and shakers in every corner of the NFL\u2019s ecosystem who will help mold it for years to come.<\/p>\n

Category Agents & Miscellaneous Coach Executive<\/p>\n

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Banjo, who played in the NFL for 10 seasons, is viewed by his mentor (and former head coach) Sean Payton as a \u201cfuture head coach\u201d and was a true bright spot for the Jets last season. His aggressive, well-coached unit finished No. 1 in special teams EPA in 2025.<\/p>\n

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Seth Wenig \/ AP Photo<\/p>\n

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Praised for his creativity in guiding one of the league\u2019s top offenses while overcoming limitations at wide receiver, Brady this offseason received the promotion from offensive coordinator to head coach. Bills ownership hopes his strong relationship with Josh Allen, firm grasp of Buffalo\u2019s personnel and strong leadership and communication skills translate into their finally getting over the hump.<\/p>\n

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David Richard \/ AP Photo<\/p>\n

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As the Panthers continued to rebuild and improve last season, one thing became clear about their defense: Quarterbacks had a very hard time throwing on the cornerbacks. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, the outside corners, combined for nine regular-season interceptions, first in the NFL among cornerback tandems, and both held quarterbacks to a passer rating of 75 or under when targeted. Additionally, safety Tre’von Moehrig enjoyed a standout year in a versatile role reimagined by Cooley and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, leading all defensive backs with 14 tackles for loss. Of Cooley, Evero told The Athletic: \u201c(He) is extremely knowledgeable in NFL schemes on both the offensive and defensive side, but his true superpower comes in his ability to relate and connect with his players.\u201d <\/p>\n

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Joe Robbins via AP Photo<\/p>\n

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Praised by peers, mentors and players alike for his exceptional smarts (Doyle has been described as everything from a “human computer” to a “wizard”), vision and motivational skills, the Iowa City native has climbed the ranks as an assistant to Sean Payton and Ben Johnson, and this year took over as offensive coordinator of the Ravens. The youngest offensive coordinator in NFL history, Doyle must help Lamar Jackson deliver another MVP-caliber season while supercharging an offense that at times goes quiet despite its talent.<\/p>\n

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Stephanie Scarbrough \/ AP Photo<\/p>\n

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More than ever, NFL head coaches and coordinators are leaning on their situational experts to advise them at the game\u2019s most crucial moments. Feder is among the best ambassadors for the league\u2019s tight-knit circle of \u201csituational masters,\u201d who are now empowered to lead meetings, install parts of game plans and lead analytical discussions, and who are even in the headset with coaches. Feder was hired by former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy and quickly became an invaluable resource for current head coach Brian Schottenheimer.<\/p>\n

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James D. Smith via AP Photo<\/p>\n

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The elite level of special teams play from the Seahawks in last season\u2019s playoffs wasn\u2019t just notable \u2014 it gave them a clear edge against their opponents at a time of year when small margins are everything. Harbaugh led a unit that finished No. 3 in special teams EPA, featuring explosiveness in the return game, steadiness and strategy in the kicking and punting operations and an all-around unit that functioned as an extension of both the offense and the defense.<\/p>\n

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Kevin Terrell via AP Photo<\/p>\n

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With the improving Panthers coming off their first playoff appearance since 2017, Idzik\u2019s career continues to trend upward. The third-year offensive coordinator will call plays under coach Dave Canales in 2026, after a season in which he helped quarterback Bryce Young rebound from some early struggles and put together his best professional season, including strong play in a narrow wild-card loss to the Rams. With Young entering his fourth season and Idzik calling it for him, the pressure is on to keep ascending.<\/p>\n

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Gary McCullough \/ AP Photo<\/p>\n

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Under coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles defense has stayed dominant and difficult for offenses to game plan against \u2014 and the league pays attention to his assistants. Kasper is regarded as a bright, technically savvy coach on both sides of the ball, but he has specialized in defense under Fangio both in Miami and Philadelphia. He takes over for Christian Parker, now the Cowboys defensive coordinator, in coaching stars such as Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.<\/p>\n

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Perry Knotts via AP Photo<\/p>\n

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Kubiak begins his first stint as a head coach after a storybook 2025 Seahawks season that featured a Super Bowl win and the resurgence of quarterback Sam Darnold, with whom Kubiak partnered in his first season as Seattle\u2019s offensive coordinator. Kubiak\u2019s offseason was almost as exciting: He accepted the head coaching job and the Raiders drafted Heisman Trophy-winning QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick. The start to Kubiak\u2019s Raiders tenure will be highlighted by his strategy for the long-term development of the young quarterback. He is the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak.<\/p>\n

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Aaron M. Sprecher via AP Photo<\/p>\n

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After filling in for DC Terrell Williams last season while Williams was ill, Kuhr (who was only supposed to be coaching linebackers in 2025) excelled enough to earn a promotion to the full-time job in the offseason. Kuhr led the Patriots to a No. 11 finish in defensive EPA\/play last season \u2014 his first time calling plays in the NFL \u2014 and coached in the Super Bowl. He previously worked for the Giants and for Patriots coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee.<\/p>\n

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Eric Canha \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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LaFleur spent the last three seasons as the Rams offensive coordinator under Sean McVay as the team overhauled its roster and some of its scheme \u2014 specifically its run game and usage of heavier personnel groupings \u2014 and again became a contending favorite. LaFleur, the younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, is well regarded for his teaching ability, schematic knowledge and work with receivers.<\/p>\n

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Ross D. Franklin \/ AP Photo<\/p>\n

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Macdonald led the Seahawks back to defensive dominance \u2014 and a Super Bowl victory \u2014 in just his second season as a head coach. A catalytic figure in the NFL because of his ability to constantly evolve and strategically challenge even the best offenses in an offense-forward league, Macdonald is also beloved by his players and assistant coaches for his to-the-point coaching and communication style that doesn\u2019t skip over the human side of the game. He spent two seasons as the Ravens defensive coordinator before landing the Seahawks job. <\/p>\n

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Johnnie Izquierdo \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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The former NFL quarterback enters his second season as the Saints head coach after seven seasons as an assistant with the Cowboys, Chargers and Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl as offensive coordinator. Moore inherited a hole-pocked roster saddled with salary-cap limitations. But the team showed signs of growth as his first season progressed. Young players like quarterback Tyler Shough began carving out meaningful roles, and the Saints went 4-0 in December.<\/p>\n

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Kirby Lee \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Back for his second stint with the Chargers after a season as Western Michigan’s defensive coordinator and safeties coach, O’Leary (previously the Chargers safeties coach in 2024) steps into his first NFL coordinator role. O’Leary is praised as a strong teacher and for his ability to develop talent and adapt to players’ strengths to maximize their potential. The last two DCs to work for Jim Harbaugh are both now NFL head coaches. Mike Macdonald was his DC at Michigan in 2021. He was followed by Jesse Minter for two seasons at Michigan and two with the Chargers.<\/p>\n

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Kirby Lee \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Parker is a disciple of the great defensive coordinator and former head coach Vic Fangio, for whom he most recently worked in Philadelphia before the Cowboys hired him in the spring. Parker, considered in league circles to be a future head coach, has a knack for communicating complex ideas and schemes in simple ways that allow his players to play fast and free. The Dallas defense is coming off a historically bad 2025 season, but if Parker can improve this group, the Cowboys should become a Super Bowl contender.<\/p>\n

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James D. Smith via AP Photo<\/p>\n

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After four seasons as the Bengals quarterbacks coach, Pitcher took over as offensive coordinator in 2024 and will now help oversee several schematic changes in Cincinnati that the Bengals hope can maximize quarterback Joe Burrow\u2019s prime years. In December of last season, when Burrow returned from a toe injury, the Bengals ranked No. 5 in offensive EPA\/play.<\/p>\n

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Ian Johnson \/ Icon Sportswire via Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Ross is one of a select few special teams coaches who truly help turn that phase into a weapon for their teams. The Texans are aggressive and explosive on special teams, ranking No. 4 in EPA in 2025 and tied for first in blocked kicks, while kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn tied the NFL record for made field goals in a season (44). The unit\u2019s excellence under Ross also showcases the depth of the entire roster \u2014 a difficult thing to achieve, considering the resources invested into the Texans\u2019 stars on defense.<\/p>\n

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Maria Lysaker \/ AP Photo<\/p>\n

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Scheelhaase is entering his third season with the Rams and first in the offensive coordinator role after Mike LaFleur\u2019s departure to Arizona, but he already received interest for head-coaching vacancies in the offseason. Sean McVay has praised Scheelhaase \u2014 a former record-setting quarterback at Illinois \u2014 for his work ethic and attention to detail, plus his ability to connect with players. The Rams led the NFL in offensive EPA\/play last season.<\/p>\n

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Mark J. Rebilas \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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A former linebacker and eight-year NFL veteran, Sheppard has quickly climbed the ranks on Detroit’s staff, proving himself as a talent evaluator, teacher and leader. Despite entering only his second season as a coordinator, Sheppard is on the head coach track, having interviewed for the Dolphins job this past winter.<\/p>\n

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Aaron J. Thornton \/ Sipa USA via AP Photo<\/p>\n

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After working under Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota, Udinski took his first offensive coordinator job in Jacksonville last season and, while working with Liam Coen, directed a unit that ranked sixth in scoring and 11th in yards per game. He interviewed for head-coaching positions with Buffalo and Cleveland. Udinski draws praise for his developmental work with quarterbacks, tireless work ethic and abilities as a teacher. \u201cGrant is a fast riser, but he has earned every opportunity that he has received,\u201d Coen told The Athletic. \u201cHe is extremely organized, invested in \u2018process\u2019 and he communicates at an elite level. When you spend time with Grant, you quickly realize that he has a high level of intelligence, but with zero ego. He simply \u2018loves ball.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n

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Juan Moore \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Considered in Houston to be one of the organization\u2019s secret weapons, Vasso has helped turn the Texans into an absolute factory for high-level defensive back play, and his influence extends across the entire defense. He withdrew from consideration for several defensive coordinator openings in the spring, with his sights set on the potential of Houston\u2019s elite defense reaching even greater heights in 2026. <\/p>\n

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Ronald Martinez \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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The Broncos had all the makings of a Super Bowl team before quarterback Bo Nix\u2019s broken ankle in the divisional round, and with Nix now healthy again, they still do. There\u2019s a twist: Webb, one of the architects of last season\u2019s offense, will now be the offensive play caller. It\u2019s a tall task to call a game with veteran head coach Sean Payton also in the headset, but people who know Webb say he\u2019s more than up for the high-pressure, higher-profile task. Webb also interviewed for the Bills, Raiders and Ravens head-coaching vacancies in the spring.<\/p>\n

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Kevin C. Cox \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Believed to be the first Black film director in league history, Adams joined the Cowboys this offseason after 16 seasons in Washington, where he got his start as an intern while pursuing his master’s degree at Howard University. Video work for the football operations side of a building is among a team\u2019s most crucial strategic processes, and includes logging of every practice snap for internal studies by coaches and players, building the cut-ups and film packages of opponents that are the foundation of the game plan week to week, and in Adams\u2019 case, leading in the development of virtual reality tools for players.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Dallas Cowboys<\/p>\n

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After 14 years in the finance world, the former Princeton wide receiver joined his twin brother, Browns GM Andrew Berry, in the NFL universe, landing a job in the Eagles front office. He has his fingers in just about every aspect of the operation \u2014 from scouting to contracts to analytics and talent evaluation. Promoted this offseason to assistant general manager, it’s seen as only a matter of time before this Berry is running his own team.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

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One of the behind-the-scenes heroes of the Eagles\u2019 consistent success in building through the draft, Bhaya made a name for himself as a scout, gleaning the SEC for talent for the Eagles before his duties expanded with a promotion to director of draft management. Eagles GM Howie Roseman further elevated Bhaya, who is viewed as a rising star, to vice president of player personnel this offseason.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

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Since joining the Rams\u2019 scouting department in 2021, Blake has become a key voice and an invaluable resource for GM Les Snead \u2014 particularly as the Rams have pivoted in their team-building strategy multiple times since they won Super Bowl LVI. She took over James Gladstone\u2019s former position following his departure to Jacksonville. \u201cKnows and loves football, intensely focused, poised (and her) rationale and reasonability makes her a blast to work with and brings a sharp edge to the Rams,\u201d Snead said.<\/p>\n

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Kirby Lee \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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After six seasons with the Patriots, where he worked in scouting, Debick followed Nick Caserio to the Texans in 2022, a year after Caserio became Houston’s GM. As the director of pro scouting, he has identified free-agent acquisition targets that have helped reshape and fortify the Texans’ roster while also helping improve their salary-cap situation. Some of his targets have included pass rusher Danielle Hunter and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Houston Texans<\/p>\n

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Feinstein, who has worked in the Bears front office since 2022 and now manages their salary cap, previously served in leadership roles on the NFL\u2019s Management Council. His navigation of the cap served the Bears well in 2025, when head coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles overhauled their offensive line (in part with free-agent signings). Feinstein will be in the spotlight again when third-year quarterback Caleb Williams\u2019 contract is up for possible extension.<\/p>\n

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Quinn Harris \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Boasting extensive institutional knowledge, having worked for the 49ers since 2015, Gillen went from low-level scout to pro scout to director of pro personnel to director of player personnel and finally to assistant general manager, the title he still holds. Gillen interviewed for the Vikings GM position this past offseason and is expected to draw interest once again next hiring cycle.<\/p>\n

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Michael Zagaris \/ San Francisco 49ers \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s a new era in Jacksonville, featuring Gladstone in partnership with head coach Liam Coen and executive VP of football operations Tony Boselli. The Jaguars went 13-4 and won the AFC South in 2025, prefaced by some head-turning moves that included trading up to select Heisman-winner Travis Hunter with the No. 2 pick. (Hunter suffered a knee injury that truncated his rookie season.) Now a second-year GM, Gladstone has proved he will take risks \u2014 a deal with the Browns for cornerback Greg Newsome II did not pan out, but Gladstone\u2019s move for receiver Jakobi Meyers ahead of the trade deadline gave clarity and direction to what became an outstanding offense. Gladstone is known as an innovator and an elite communicator, both crucial qualities for Jacksonville as it evolves previously entrenched internal processes, including in the scouting infrastructure.<\/p>\n

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Travis Register \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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The 2025 season represented a more formal shift to the spotlight for Jackson, who is a member of the Colts ownership group and daughter of former owner Jim Irsay. But Jackson\u2019s off-the-field work with mental health initiative \u201cKicking the Stigma\u201d has resonated across the NFL for years, as has her advocacy for women in sports and flag football. \u201cKalen is one of the brightest young stars in our league,\u201d NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told The Athletic. \u201cHer leadership in raising mental health awareness is changing lives in Indiana and across the country. Her support for women in football \u2014 from girls flag to female coaches \u2014 is creating greater access, participation and a new talent pipeline. And as a member of the league\u2019s Health and Safety and Flag Football Committees, along with her role on the NFL Foundation board, she is making our game safer and communities stronger.\u201d<\/p>\n

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JC Olivera \/ Variety via Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Highsmith, the son of NFL front office great Alonzo Highsmith, is respected by scouts and executives around the league for his talent evaluation ability and the quality of his work. Highsmith previously worked for the 49ers, Bills and Titans following his college football career at Miami. In the offseason after their Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots\u2019 key pro acquisitions included high-ceiling players like receiver Romeo Doubs and guard Alijah Vera-Tucker.<\/p>\n

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First with the Rams and now with the Jaguars, Hill has frequently been characterized as a \u201cglue guy\u201d for an organization\u2019s scouting and talent acquisition processes. Soft-spoken but steady, Hill\u2019s evaluations have helped lead to some of the NFL\u2019s biggest hits \u2014 such as when he argued for the Rams\u2019 third-round selection of Cooper Kupp in 2017. \u201cHe\u2019s not in the spotlight but his impact is hard to miss,\u201d Jaguars GM James Gladstone said of Hill. \u201cHe\u2019s a deeply thorough evaluator and a selfless leader who steadily raises the level of those around him.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars<\/p>\n

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Over his 11 years with the Rams, McKay has been a steady presence in building two Super Bowl teams, plus their sprint-rebuild of 2023. He has worked on both the pro personnel and scouting sides, and is known in the building for his knack for finding quality depth contributors around whom the Rams have been able to plug in superstars. This spring, McKay was among the few Rams executives working to pull off the Myles Garrett trade with the Browns. He interviewed for the Dolphins and Vikings GM vacancies earlier this year.<\/p>\n

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Kirby Lee \/ Imagn Images<\/p>\n

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Since joining the franchise in 2014, Schneider has become a key member of a front office that has upgraded its roster multiple times while finishing with a losing record just once in that span. Schneider\u2019s leadership in pro personnel before his promotion in the spring helped the Seahawks acquire players such as Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, Ernest Jones IV and Rashid Shaheed \u2014 all of whom played critical roles in the Super Bowl-winning effort of 2025. He is the nephew of Seahawks GM John Schneider.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Seattle Seahawks<\/p>\n

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Temme, the architect of the Rams\u2019 internal scouting system, is now overhauling the system in Jacksonville following his hire by GM James Gladstone last year. Temme is at the forefront of integrating technology into NFL front offices, and is respected for his experiments with AI and other tools, plus his ability to explain their complexities to the layperson. \u201cHe is one of those people who consistently makes you think differently,\u201d Gladstone said, \u201c(and) he brings an intelligence, curiosity and strategic perspective that has helped the Rams and Jaguars.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Jacksonville Jaguars<\/p>\n

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The former Ohio State linebacker cracked the NFL ranks in 2016 as a scouting assistant with the Patriots \u2014 the same organization for which his father, Brent, played from 1986 to 1993. Williams joined the Broncos front office in 2025. Now one of general manager George Paton’s top assistants, Williams aims to help further shape Denver into a contender before eventually getting the call to run his own operation.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Josh Williams<\/p>\n

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Entering his 15th season with the 49ers and second as director of scouting and football operations, the former Columbia wide receiver began his career with San Francisco as a scouting assistant in 2011. Since then, he has worked his way up, holding positions in various college and pro scouting capacities. A participant in the NFL’s front office and general manager accelerator program, Williams is viewed as a rising star in the league. He most recently interviewed for the Dolphins and Falcons general manager positions.<\/p>\n

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Michael Zagaris \/ San Francisco 49ers \/Getty Images<\/p>\n

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Yeargan joined the Raiders a half-decade ago after spending the previous nine years with the Patriots. Forward-thinking and respected by his peers, Yeargan will be asked to help evolve the Raiders\u2019 team-building and scouting infrastructure with the support of GM John Spytek. \u201cBrandon is a key part of our personnel staff and his preparation, professionalism and passion for the scouting process is impressive,\u201d Spytek said. \u201cB.Y. is a trusted voice in the building and an outstanding teammate and leader.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Michael Clemens \/ Las Vegas Raiders <\/p>\n

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After quitting his sales job in 2019 to intern with Athletes First, Allen became a certified agent in 2021 and has wasted no time making his mark. Allen uses a tireless drive and gift of relationship-building to connect with clients, and he also has an eye for talent. This past spring, he saw three of his clients drafted within the first six picks (David Bailey to the Jets at No. 2, Jeremiyah Love to Arizona at No. 3 and Mansoor Delane to Kansas City at No. 6).<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Athletes First<\/p>\n

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D\u2019Amelio, who leads Klutch Sports\u2019 football marketing division, has partnered top athletes with high-profile sports brands, including Nike, Jordan and New Balance. Yet it is D\u2019Amelio\u2019s knack for creating unique, high-concept pairings between athletes and brands that sets his work apart \u2014 Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts with Sprite, Coach and BMW; Giants receiver Malik Nabers with Abercrombie & Fitch; and Texans edge Will Anderson Jr. with Breitling are notable examples.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Klutch Sports<\/p>\n

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Horton has ascended to the top of CAA\u2019s football division because of his work ethic, strong client relationships and knack for identifying talent. Now a go-to partner on both the collegiate and NFL sides for super agent Jimmy Sexton, Horton represents high-profile NFL clients such as Super Bowl-winning Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald. \u201cDavis has been a huge part of my journey,\u201d Macdonald said. \u201cHe\u2019s always had my back, he tells me the truth and I know he genuinely cares about me and my family beyond just football. That\u2019s what makes Davis so special \u2014 the relationships are real, and I think the way he takes care of his people is what this business should be about.\u201d<\/p>\n

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In 2019, Lynn became the first Black woman to represent a top-three draft pick, DT Quinnen Williams. Cut to 2026, and Lynn now leads Klutch Sports\u2019 football division. Individually, she is one of the top-earning and most respected agent\/executives in sports. She recently negotiated Williams\u2019 three-year, $105.9 million contract extension with the Cowboys, plus brokered top-of-market contract extensions for other star clients Bijan Robinson and Will Anderson Jr. Her deep client roster also includes future Hall of Fame pass rusher Myles Garrett and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jalen Hurts.<\/p>\n

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Marcus Ingram \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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A former college and pro defensive back, McCarthy represents some of the most sought-after young head coaches in the game, like Matt LaFleur of the Packers (whose contract extension McCarthy recently brokered), Mike LaFleur of the Cardinals, and coordinators Jonathan Gannon (Packers) and Zac Robinson (Buccaneers). Praised for his work ethic and relationship-building, McCarthy also represents more than 30 players.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Athletes First<\/p>\n

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The former NFL offensive lineman transitioned from the Rams\u2019 director of football affairs to the world of sports agents, joining WME\u2019s coaches division in 2023 (which has since become WIN Sports Group). McClendon, who obtained his MBA from Brown while working for the Rams, has quickly made a name for himself because of his eye for talent, work ethic, strong franchise relationships and the extra lengths he goes to for his clients, who include head coaches Dave Canales (Panthers) and Liam Coen (Jaguars) as well as executives like Falcons assistant general manager Jeff Scott.<\/p>\n

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Since taking on his position in the league office, Perez has played key roles on multiple fronts, including designing officiating development programs, strategic growth plans and partnership pipelines for both the league and each franchise. The owner of degrees from Cornell and Harvard, Perez, according to past and present supervisors, is on the track to eventually run his own team as CFO or president.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s rare that a player contract gets done without Richelieu\u2019s help. Agents lean on the players union\u2019s “numbers guy” for guidance on market value, contract structures and more as they work to maximize their clients\u2019 earning potentials. The owner of an MBA in sports management from George Washington University and an MS in predictive analytics from Northwestern, Richelieu received his introduction to the NFL as an intern with the Washington franchise before eventually landing a position with the NFLPA, where he has worked his way up over the last decade. Multiple high-profile agents said they believe Richelieu could one day run a franchise.<\/p>\n

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A firm believer in Deion Sanders\u2019 famous mantra, \u201cIf you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you play good,\u201d Smith helps players express themselves off the field, including during their game-day stadium entrances. He is also attempting to expand the NFL’s audience by allowing players to connect with fans through fashion. While contributing to the unique wardrobes of players such as Joe Burrow, whose Met Gala look he styled, Smith also works across multiple platforms \u2014 social media, player engagement programs, consumer products and marketing programs \u2014 to shed light on a different side of the NFL.<\/p>\n

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Pascal Le Segretain \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

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An eight-year pro as an offensive lineman, Tretter served as president of the players’ union for four years, helping finalize negotiations of the current collective bargaining agreement. In the fall of 2024, Tretter took on a position of chief strategy officer with the union. This past offseason, the players elected him as executive director, charging him with the task of bringing stability to a union mired in controversy under his predecessor. Tretter will have to lead the players in negotiations for the next CBA (the current deal runs through 2030), which will include crucial elements such as a potential expansion of the regular-season schedule to 18 games and a 16-game international slate.<\/p>\n

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Aaron M. Sprecher via AP Photo<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Another sharp young mind working on the NFL\u2019s never-ending global expansion, Van Norton helps formulate and execute the league\u2019s vision to drive participation through youth and college outreach on the flag football fronts while also supporting teams in their expansion of domestic and international partnerships. Van Norton joined the NFL as a program coordinator for youth and high school outreach programs and worked his way up to senior manager of football development before being promoted to director of football development four years ago.<\/p>\n


\n\"Connections:\"Connections:<\/p>\n

Sep 1, 2026<\/p>\n

Connections: Sports Edition<\/p>\n

Spot the pattern. Connect the terms<\/p>\n

Find the hidden link between sports terms<\/p>\n

Play today’s puzzle<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"This is The Athletic\u2019s NFL 50 under 40, a list of rising coaches, executives and other personnel who…\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1037181,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[39],"tags":[1232,62,222,67,132,68],"class_list":["post-1037180","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-nfl","tag-nfl","tag-sports","tag-sports-business","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/117196829885959282","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1037180","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1037180"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1037180\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1037181"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1037180"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1037180"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1037180"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}