The Bridge between Bon Jovi and Bow Wow

According to the Denver Post, that bridge would be Jeremy Bates, the 28-year-old Quarterbacks Coach for the Denver Broncos who will have offensive coordinator responsibilities in 2008. Bates joins a rapidly proliferating group of young, talented NFL coaches receiving unprecedented responsibilities. Bates is 4-years younger than Texans offensive coordinator and Shanahan's son, Kyle Shanahan. 32-year-old Josh McDaniels was the offensive coordinator for the record-shattering New England Patriots last season.

Last year, Lane Kiffin became the youngest Head Coach in NFL history at the age of 31 years, 8 months. It comes as little surprise that his boss, Al Davis, would make such a bold move given that Davis himself is among the youngest coaches ever; in 1963 Davis became the Raiders head coach at 33 years, 6 months. Later, Davis hired another young head coach named John Madden, who was 32 years, 10 months old. His next young hire was a brilliant offensive mind named Mike Shanahan, who at age 35 and 1/2 coached the Raiders for a year before bolting to the division-rival Broncos. Still later, Davis hired John Gruden at 34 years, 10 months, who built a Super Bowl ready team before bolting to Tampa Bay. Gruden defeated his former employer in the Super Bowl the following season.

For once, maybe Al Davis is on to something here! A scan of the list of the youngest head coaches in NFL history reveals that some of the leagues winningest coaches began their careers at unusually young ages. The list includes NFL greats Don Schula and Bill Cowher. It also includes head coaching newcomers Mike Tomlin and Eric Mangini.

Among the most difficult challenges for NFL head coaches is getting through to their players. The age difference between a coach in his 50's or 60's and a twenty-something group of athletes can lead to pronounced communication divides. As the Denver Post points out, these young coaches can bridge the gap. In Denver's case, the movement of so young an offensive mind through the ranks is certainly intriguing. When Rick Dennison finally makes the jump to NFL head coach or decides to hang 'em up for good, this young prodigy could be the future architect of Denver's offense.