Iowa-Bred Coach Declan Doyle Takes NFL by Storm as Ravens' Youngest Offensive Coordinator

When the Baltimore Ravens hired Declan Doyle as the NFL's youngest offensive coordinator, many around the league took notice. But for those who knew him during his formative years in Iowa and his early coaching days in New Orleans, his rapid rise came as no surprise. His preparation, maturity, and relentless work ethic set him apart long before he ever called plays for Lamar Jackson.

Doyle, a native Iowan who got his start as a student assistant at the University of Iowa, has climbed the coaching ladder with remarkable speed. After working through quality-control roles and serving as a position coach under Sean Payton in Denver, he spent one season as offensive coordinator in Chicago before landing the top offensive job in Baltimore.

Now, a former colleague is shedding light on what makes Doyle so special.

What do those closest to Declan Doyle say about his coaching style?

D.J. Williams, the Washington Commanders' quarterbacks coach, spent four seasons sharing an office with Doyle while both worked as offensive assistants with the New Orleans Saints. In a recent feature on the Ravens' official website, Williams described Doyle as someone whose maturity always stood out more than his age.

Williams, the son of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Doug Williams, was just beginning his own coaching career when he met Doyle. While both were learning the NFL game, Williams said Doyle already carried himself like a seasoned veteran.

“He was never a kid in the building,” Williams said. “His preparation and mindset were always ahead of his years.”

How did Declan Doyle's Iowa roots shape his NFL career?

Doyle's journey began in Iowa, where he worked as a student assistant with the Hawkeyes. That foundation instilled in him a blue-collar work ethic that has become his trademark. From drawing up the Saints' run game to preparing offensive call sheets, Doyle handled responsibilities that rarely generated headlines but built the foundation for his success.

The two young assistants shared what they jokingly called “the office where all the problems landed.” Williams handled many of the passing-game responsibilities while Doyle focused on the run game and scout teams. It was in that small office that Williams witnessed Doyle's obsession with improvement firsthand.

Why have Ravens players quickly bought into Doyle's leadership?

It didn't take long for Baltimore's veteran players to embrace Doyle's demanding coaching style. Lamar Jackson has praised his attention to detail and creativity, while players on both sides of the ball have commended his communication skills and leadership.

Williams isn't surprised by any of that. He saw it coming years ago.

“The rest of the league is just beginning to discover what I saw years ago,” Williams said. “His preparation rivals coaches with decades more experience.”

What does the future hold for Declan Doyle in Baltimore?

Seven years after their first meeting, Williams is coaching quarterbacks in Washington while Doyle is calling plays for Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. The titles have changed, and the offices have changed, but Williams' description of Doyle hasn't.

The Ravens may employ the NFL's youngest offensive coordinator, but according to the man who knows him best, they've never had a kid in the building. Baltimore may have hit the lottery with this Iowa native, and the early returns suggest great things are ahead.