Last updated on: February 4, 2026
Dennis Polian is best known as the youngest son of Hall of Fame football executive Bill Polian. While his father built famous NFL teams, Dennis chose his own path. His journey shows how family values can guide someone, even when they try something different first.
Let’s take a closer look at his life, career, and family story.
Quick Facts About Dennis Polian
| Full Name | Dennis Polian |
| Birthdate | N/A |
| Age | N/A |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Sports Administrator |
| Current Role | Football Chief of Staff & Senior Associate Athletics Director at Baylor University |
| Education | Villanova University (Political Science & Communications); attended Boston College Law School |
| Husband/Wife | Married to Jenny Pasquini |
| Parents | Father: Bill Polian; Mother: Eileen Polian |
| Siblings | Lynn Polian, Chris Polian, Brian Polian |
| Children | Son: Finn; Daughter: Miller Rose |
| NFL Experience | Worked with Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans |
| College Athletics Roles | Positions at Texas A&M, Arizona, and Baylor University |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Education
Dennis Polian grew up in a home where football was always part of daily life. His father worked long hours building strong NFL teams. Because of this, Dennis saw both the excitement and the pressure that came with the sport.
Even with football all around him, Dennis first wanted a different future. He attended Villanova University. There, he studied political science and communications. After college, he went to law school at Boston College. At that time, he hoped to build a career outside of football.
But life had other plans.
A Change in Career Direction
After a semester in law school, Dennis realized his heart was not fully in the legal field. He felt drawn back to sports. Football had always been part of his story, and it felt natural to return to it.
Dennis began working in college athletics while finishing his studies. This step helped him understand sports management from a new angle. He learned about contracts, rules, and team operations. These early roles built the foundation for his future.
Working in the NFL
Dennis later joined NFL front offices. Around 2011, he worked with the Indianapolis Colts. During this time, he worked closely with his father and his brother Chris. His roles included being a rules expert and contract specialist.
This experience helped him grow professionally. He was not just known as Bill Polian’s son. He worked hard to prove his own skills.
After his time with the Colts, Dennis moved to the Tennessee Titans. He worked as a scout there until 2016. His job involved studying players, reviewing performance, and helping teams make smart decisions.
Moving Into College Football
Dennis later shifted his focus to college football programs. He held positions at Texas A&M and the University of Arizona. These roles gave him more leadership experience.
In 2021, Dennis accepted a major role at Baylor University. He became the Football Chief of Staff and Senior Associate Athletics Director. In this position, he works closely with coaches and players. He helps manage operations and supports the team’s overall goals.
This role shows how far he has come in his career.
Family Life
Family is very important to Dennis Polian. His parents, Bill and Eileen Polian, raised four children: Lynn, Chris, Brian, and Dennis. Each sibling followed a different path, but all share strong values like hard work and discipline.
Dennis is the father of a son named Finn. He became a parent later in life, around age 40. He has shared that fatherhood is one of the most meaningful parts of his life.
Dennis also has strong bonds with his brothers. Chris works as an NFL executive, while Brian built a career as a college football coach. Even though their roles differ, they share a deep connection to the sport.
READ ALSO: Bill Polian Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Choosing His Own Path
What makes Dennis Polian’s story special is his independence. He did not simply follow in his father’s footsteps. Instead, he explored other interests before returning to sports.
He once shared that having a famous last name sometimes pushed him to work even harder. He wanted to earn respect through his own efforts, not just family ties.
Today, Dennis is known for his dedication, leadership, and steady growth. His story shows that success can come in many forms. Sometimes, the road is not straight, but it still leads to the right place.
