NFL Nation
The 2025 NFL season is underway, which implies we acquired our first take a look at new playcallers such because the Detroit Lions' John Morton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Josh Grizzard and the Tremendous Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles' Kevin Patullo in Week 1.
We additionally noticed some recognizable faces in new locations, as Ben Johnson took over as Chicago Bears head coach, Kellen Moore as New Orleans Saints HC and Brian Schottenheimer with the Dallas Cowboys. Every of them will carry the twin duty of teaching and calling offensive performs.
In the meantime, veteran coaches Andy Reid (Kansas Metropolis Chiefs), Sean Payton (Denver Broncos) and Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams) proceed to churn out artistic offensive methods. And Josh McDaniels is again for his third stint because the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator, aiming to push second-year quarterback Drake Maye to a different stage.
Will Klint Kubiak proceed to get probably the most out of Jayden Daniels with the Washington Commanders? Will Arthur Smith and Aaron Rodgers keep in sync with the Pittsburgh Steelers? How about new Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence?
Right here is who is asking performs for all 32 groups (with a key stat offered by ESPN Analysis).
Bounce to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Playcaller: Joe Brady, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Brady is in his second full season in his function after initially inheriting the job in an interim capability in the course of the 2023 season after Ken Dorsey was fired. He initially joined the Payments group because the staff's quarterbacks coach in 2022, and previous to that served because the Panthers' offensive coordinator from 2020 to December 2021.
What to know: Within the first full season with Brady as coordinator, the Payments ran the best proportion of designed speeding performs (42.7%) since Allen was drafted in 2018. A extra balanced offense helped the unit set franchise data for a single season in factors (525) and touchdowns (65) and led to Allen's first MVP season, along with a profession scoring season for operating again James Cook dinner. Anticipate the same method this season. “All people eats” is the key philosophy in Buffalo underneath Brady, which stresses the significance of gamers staying able to get entangled on any play. — Alaina Getzenberg
Key stat: Coming into the season, the Payments rushed on 63% of their crimson zone performs underneath Brady, in comparison with 50% of the time underneath Dorsey. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Mike McDaniel, head coach
Expertise: McDaniel has referred to as offensive performs in every of his three earlier seasons in Miami and continues within the function in 2025. He referred to as performs sparingly throughout his time because the 49ers' offensive coordinator previous to his tenure in Miami. He was primarily concerned in play design and run recreation coordination.
What to know: The Dolphins completed sixth in whole offense in 2022 and led the league in 2023, however they dropped to 18th final season amid instability on the quarterback place. With game-breaking pace at vast receiver and operating again, Miami may return to the highest 10 in 2025. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Key stat: The Dolphins utilized movement on 81% of their offensive performs final season, the best charge within the league. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator
Expertise: That is McDaniels' twenty fourth NFL season and nineteenth in New England as he returns for a 3rd separate stint as coordinator. Of his 19 years in New England, McDaniels has spent 14 of them as coordinator.
What to know: In his earlier 13 seasons as Patriots coordinator, McDaniels helped information the offense to eight top-10 rankings, together with the NFL's No. 1-ranked offense in 2007, 2012 and 2017 with Tom Brady at quarterback. McDaniels spent 2024 out of soccer and visited with a number of coaches at completely different ranges, and that has primed him so as to add new parts to his system, particularly when tailoring plans to a QB (Drake Maye) who has bodily and operating abilities that lots of these McDaniels labored with up to now did not have. — Mike Reiss
Key stat: The Raiders took 46.3% of their snaps from underneath heart when McDaniels was head coach and playcaller from 2022 to 2023, which was tied for second most within the league (Lions, 46.7%). — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Tanner Engstrand, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Engstrand is a first-time coordinator and a first-time playcaller on the NFL stage. He spent the previous 5 seasons on the Lions' workers (his solely NFL expertise), working underneath coach Dan Campbell and then-OC Ben Johnson.
What to know: Very like the Lions, the Jets need to win the road of scrimmage with a bodily, run-oriented model of soccer, however they are going to go about it in a different way as a result of QB Justin Fields — in contrast to Jared Goff — is able to being an element within the speeding assault. Engstrand has just one confirmed weapon on the skin (Garrett Wilson), so he should scheme up methods to get open appears for Fields, who can battle along with his accuracy. — Wealthy Cimini
Key stat: Throughout Engstrand's tenure as move recreation coordinator in Detroit (2022-24), 8% of the Lions' move makes an attempt went 20 or extra air yards downfield, the bottom proportion within the NFL throughout that span. — ESPN Analysis
AFC NORTH
Playcaller: Todd Monken, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Monken enters his third season as offensive coordinator for the Ravens after spending three seasons because the offensive coordinator on the College of Georgia. His earlier playcaller expertise within the NFL consists of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2016-2018) and Cleveland Browns (2019).
What to know: Monken is the mastermind behind one of many NFL's greatest and most explosive offenses. In Monken's first season as coordinator, quarterback Lamar Jackson was named NFL MVP. In Monken's second season, the Ravens completed because the No. 1 offense within the NFL for the primary time of their historical past. In two seasons with Monken, the Ravens have produced the second-most factors (29.4) and yards (397.6) within the league. Now, with Baltimore's offense returning 10 of 11 starters, the most important problem for Monken is to ensure the Ravens are as environment friendly and sound within the playoffs as they're within the common season. — Jamison Hensley
Key stat: The Ravens took 16% of their snaps underneath heart in Monken's first season in 2023 (which ranked thirtieth in NFL), however final season they almost doubled it to 31% (thirteenth). — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Zac Taylor, head coach
Expertise: Taylor has been the playcaller for the reason that Bengals employed him in 2019. Dan Pitcher is getting into his second 12 months because the staff's offensive coordinator after beforehand being the workers's quarterbacks coach.
What to know: Taylor resides a playcaller's dream. The Bengals not solely have among the finest quarterbacks within the NFL in Joe Burrow, however Cincinnati additionally signed star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term offers in the course of the offseason. The Bengals have dedicated 68.6% of their cap house to the offense, per Roster Administration System, the third-highest charge within the league. Taylor can be tasked with maximizing that group and making it one of many NFL's greatest offenses. Final season, the Bengals ranked eighth in factors per drive (2.48). — Ben Child
Key stat: Of the Bengals' rushes, 78% had been contained in the tackles final season, which was the best charge within the NFL and for the Bengals since Taylor turned head coach. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Kevin Stefanski, head coach
Expertise: Stefanski took over because the Minnesota Vikings interim offensive coordinator in 2018 and was promoted to full-time OC for the 2019 season. In 2020, he turned the top coach in Cleveland, the place he has referred to as performs, exterior of relinquishing the duties halfway by the 2024 season. He has since taken again the function.
What to know: Stefanski is a two-time NFL Coach of the 12 months (2020, 2023), however quarterback stability has eluded him and the franchise; 11 completely different passers have began a recreation in Stefanski's 5 seasons as head coach. After tweaking the offense to suit Deshaun Watson's ability set, the Browns are returning to the scheme Stefanski operated in his first couple of seasons, with Joe Flacco underneath heart to start the season. Stefanski can also be reassuming playcalling duties after giving them up midseason, so anticipate a reemphasis on operating the ball and an elevated use of two-TE personnel groupings. — Daniel Oyefusi
Key stat: The Browns have elevated their utilization of performs out of the shotgun every season underneath Stefanski. They ran 78% of their snaps out of the shotgun final season (seventh most in NFL), a 13% improve from 2023. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Smith enters his second season as Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, however he brings a wealth of expertise to the function as the previous Falcons head coach and two seasons because the Titans' playcaller.
What to know: The Steelers' offensive success this season depends upon Smith's skill to adapt his scheme to 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers' model and limitations. Smith's offense comes with a heavy dose of play-action, which Rodgers has had success operating up to now. And with a deep tight finish room that features Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, search for the 2025 offense to additionally make the most of the center of the sphere greater than final season, when the Steelers had been amongst groups that focused the center of the sphere the least. — Brooke Pryor
Key stat: Final season, the Steelers ran 15% of their snaps in 13 personnel (1 RB, 3 TE, 1 WR) — the second-highest charge within the league (Cardinals) and Pittsburgh's highest since ESPN started monitoring personnel in 2006. — ESPN Analysis
AFC SOUTH
Playcaller: Nick Caley, offensive coordinator
Expertise: That is Caley's first 12 months within the function for the Texans, and he has by no means referred to as performs.
What to know: Caley has a Patriots background (2015-22), the final six years serving because the tight finish coach. In 2024 and 2025, he served because the Rams' tight ends coach — and took on the move recreation coordinator function in 2024. Anticipate his offensive scheme to have a mix of what he discovered with the Patriots in the course of the Invoice Belichick period and the Rams with Sean McVay. — DJ Bien-Aime
Key stat: Throughout Caley's time because the move recreation coordinator for the Rams in 2024, Los Angeles utilized play-action on 32% of its snaps, the third-highest charge within the NFL. The Texans ranked eleventh in play-action utilization final season. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Shane Steichen, head coach
Expertise: Steichen enters his third season calling performs in Indy after beforehand doing so for 3 mixed seasons with the Chargers and Eagles.
What to know: Steichen constructed a repute as a high-level playcaller throughout his time with the Chargers and Eagles. His orchestration of the Eagles' offense in 2022, which ended with a run to the Tremendous Bowl, paved the way in which for his rent as head coach in Indianapolis in February 2023. The Colts have had an excessive amount of instability at quarterback to duplicate the outcomes Steichen produced elsewhere, however they managed to be 14th in factors scored per recreation since his arrival regardless of a revolving door of starters: Anthony Richardson Sr., Gardner Minshew and Joe Flacco. Now he has Daniel Jones as his starter. — Stephen Holder
Key stat: Below Steichen, the Colts have operated out of the shotgun on 89% of their snaps, by far probably the most within the NFL over the previous two seasons. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Liam Coen, head coach
Expertise: This can be Coen's second season as an NFL playcaller (Buccaneers), although he additionally referred to as performs in school at Kentucky and Maine.
What to know: Coen took the Bucs' run recreation from final in 2023 to fourth in 2024 and helped Baker Mayfield set profession highs in completion proportion (71.3), passing yards (4,500) and passing TDs (41). The Jaguars employed him to have the identical sort of influence on a run recreation that completed twenty sixth final season and to get QB Trevor Lawrence to play constantly over a full season. — Michael DiRocco
Key stat: With Coen as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay final season, the Buccaneers had been the one staff within the league to transform at the very least half of their third downs (51%). The Jaguars ranked twenty second. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Brian Callahan, head coach
Expertise: Callahan acquired his first shot at calling performs final 12 months after serving 5 seasons because the Bengals offensive coordinator. Callahan's first go at it was tough, because the Titans had been among the many league's worst at factors scored per recreation (18.3), resulting in a 3-14 end.
What to know: An improved offensive line and concentrate on eliminating pricey penalties early in downs that put the offense behind the chains ought to assist. Not falling behind the chains will permit Callahan to open up his playcalls a bit extra. That is compounded by the improved line that may give rookie quarterback Cam Ward time to scan the sphere and permit move catchers to finish their routes. Ward seems to be a strong match for Callahan's scheme. He likes to unfold the ball round and can have the liberty to make performs out of construction if issues break down. Callahan's success depends upon how properly he can get Ward to play. — Turron Davenport
Key stat: The Titans are in no hurry on offense underneath Callahan, ending with the second-largest time of possession (30.6 seconds) per play within the NFL final season. — ESPN Analysis
AFC WEST
Playcaller: Sean Payton, head coach
Expertise: Payton is likely one of the most skilled playcallers within the league, now into his third decade on the headset within the NFL. Payton referred to as performs for the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, and he was the playcaller as head coach after he was employed by the New Orleans Saints in 2006. He is in his third season with the Broncos.
What to know: Payton has a full plate because the staff's head coach, however he nonetheless carves out loads of time to fulfill with the staff's quarterbacks and coordinate the week-to-week game-planning. He has loads of assist for the heavy lifting on the offensive workers with long-time assistants equivalent to Joe Lombardi, Zach Strief and Pete Carmichael. Quarterbacks coach Davis Webb has probably the most day-to-day contact with the quarterbacks, however on recreation day, Payton is entrance and heart with the play sheet, and he continues to say his precedence as playcaller is to seek out the person matchups and changes towards the actual protection the staff faces every week. — Jeff Legwold
Key stat: In 2024, the Broncos ranked ninth within the league in play-action utilization (28%) and quarterback Bo Nix recorded 14 passing touchdowns in these conditions, the second most within the league behind Jared Goff (15). — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Andy Reid, head coach
Expertise: Reid has probably the most expertise within the league. He has been calling performs all through his 27 seasons as a head coach — 14 with the Eagles and 13 with the Chiefs. He's assisted by offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and eight-year beginning quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
What to know: A lot of Reid's playcalling can be decided by the success or struggles of the Chiefs' revamped offensive line, that includes new left guard Kingsley Suamataia and rookie left deal with Josh Simmons. If Mahomes is best protected, anticipate Reid to dial up extra deep pictures and counterattacks by a wide range of screens. When in comparison with final season, the Chiefs hope to remain more healthy on offense. In Week 7, Reid and Mahomes may have their prime three receivers — Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown — lastly play a snap collectively for the primary time in two years. — Nate Taylor
Key stat: Final season, the Chiefs used movement on the snap 20% of the time, their highest in a season since Reid turned head coach. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Kelly returns to the NFL after serving to Ohio State win a nationwide title as an offensive coordinator in 2024. Kelly beforehand served as a head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles (2013-15) and San Francisco 49ers (2016).
What to know: Kelly's time away from the NFL taught him to adapt. Throughout his time with Philadelphia, Kelly was recognized for his up-tempo, high-scoring offenses. The Eagles ranked third in factors (26.9) within the three seasons he was with the group. Even when he was at Oregon (2009-12), the Geese had been first within the nation in factors per recreation (44.72) and eleventh in performs per recreation (75.1). However at Ohio State, Kelly orchestrated an environment friendly offense regardless of slowing down the tempo. The Buckeyes ranked 14th in factors (35.69) however had been a hundred and twentieth in performs per recreation (61.8) and 18th in time of possession per play (29.4 seconds). — Ryan McFadden
Key stat: Kelly's offenses constantly ranked within the prime 10 in play-action utilization in his earlier stints within the NFL — second from 2013 to 2015 with the Eagles at 28%, and sixth in 2016 with the 49ers at 24%. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Greg Roman, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Roman acquired his first NFL offensive coordinator job with Jim Harbaugh and the San Francisco 49ers in 2011. Roman is in his second 12 months with the Chargers.
What to know: Roman has been a profitable coordinator, successful AP assistant coach of the 12 months honors with the Ravens in 2019. Roman is chargeable for a few of the most artistic speeding ideas in league historical past, however his passing offenses lacked creativity, resulting in his exit from Baltimore. L.A.'s offense struggled in Roman's first season, constantly sputtering in second halves with a speeding offense that was under league common. If the Chargers' offense would not enhance this season, Roman's job standing may very well be in query. — Kris Rhim
Key stat: In Roman's first season with the Chargers, the staff utilized play-action 34% of the time, the second-highest charge within the NFL. Justin Herbert had a QBR of 85 when utilizing play-action, the very best amongst all quarterbacks. — ESPN Analysis
NFC EAST
Playcaller: Brian Schottenheimer, head coach
Expertise: Schottenheimer is in his first 12 months because the Cowboys' playcaller after spending the 2 earlier seasons because the offensive coordinator, whereas head coach Mike McCarthy referred to as the performs. That is the primary time he has referred to as performs since 2020, when he was with Seattle. He was the playcaller from 2018 to 2020 for a few of Russell Wilson's greatest moments. He additionally referred to as performs for the Jets from 2006 to 2011.
What to know: He has a lean towards operating the ball which may come from his genes and his father Marty's well-known “Martyball” groups in Cleveland and Kansas Metropolis that beloved to run it. However he was additionally chargeable for Wilson's two highest-touchdown-pass seasons (40, 35). This would be the first time he's working as a playcaller and not using a defensive head coach (Rex Ryan, Pete Carroll). The Cowboys had a pointy first half within the Week 1 loss to the Eagles, solely to lose momentum within the final two quarters. — Todd Archer
Key stat: Schottenheimer has stated he intends to make use of extra movement in 2025. The Cowboys used movement on the snap 15% of the time final season, which was the fourth-lowest charge within the league. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Mike Kafka, assistant head coach and offensive coordinator
Expertise: Kafka was the offensive playcaller for many of his first two seasons with the Giants. He got here to New York after being with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas Metropolis, working his approach as much as quarterbacks coach and passing recreation coordinator.
What to know: It has been slightly little bit of a curler coaster for Kafka since coming to New York. He was the playcaller, then he wasn't, now he's once more this season. His first season was probably the most profitable for the Giants underneath coach Brian Daboll. Finally Daboll took management of the offense and referred to as performs final 12 months, when the staff completed 3-14. Kafka was minimized, in response to a number of gamers conversant in his function. But it surely has been trending on this course of Daboll giving again playcalling duties since co-owner John Mara hinted after final season that it is likely to be a good suggestion. It has been Kafka calling performs all spring, summer season and preseason. — Jordan Raanan
Key stat: Over the previous two seasons, the Giants have run a passing play on first down 60% of the time, the best charge within the NFL. The Giants had max safety (at the very least seven blockers) 13% of the time final 12 months, the fourth-highest charge in NFL. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Kevin Patullo, offensive coordinator
Expertise: That is Patullo's first 12 months on the job. However he has been Nick Sirianni's right-hand man since Sirianni turned head coach in 2021, serving because the staff's move recreation coordinator and affiliate head coach earlier than taking up for Kellen Moore this offseason.
What to know: Patullo has a robust relationship with many key gamers on offense, most notably QB Jalen Hurts. There are some issues to iron out, however the operation appeared largely easy in a Week 1 win over Dallas. “First video games, there's a lot unknown, however you have acquired to have the ability to be not on the reactive aspect of issues, extra so proactive and having the ability to play good ball and put your self in advantageous positions,” Hurts stated. “I am completely satisfied for him to come back out right here and get his first win as an offensive coordinator. I do know he is waited a very long time for this chance, and we simply need to preserve constructing. I do know we're all hungry for that.” — Tim McManus
Key stat: Below Moore final season, the Eagles had the best designed rush charge within the NFL at 51%. Since Patullo turned move recreation coordinator in 2021, the Eagles have run 87% of their performs out of the shotgun, the best charge within the league. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Kingsbury is in his second season as Washington's playcaller. He additionally referred to as performs whereas a head coach with the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022
What to know: Kingsbury caught round for a second 12 months as a result of, as he instructed ESPN in December, it might take lots for him to go away quarterback Jayden Daniels. The 2 work properly collectively; each wish to arrive early and depart late. Kingsbury had Daniels function the fast passing recreation — whereas additionally calling for designed runs — however did not shy from being aggressive in essential moments. Kingsbury will use gamers creatively and has a brand new possibility within the versatile Deebo Samuel. A knock on Kingsbury earlier than he arrived in Washington was that his offenses dipped within the second half of the season. However final season the Commanders averaged 28.1 factors general — and 29.4 within the closing eight video games, together with the playoffs. — John Keim
Key stat: The Commanders had been in shotgun formation 91% of the time final season, the best charge within the league. They ran movement 46% of the time, the third-lowest charge within the NFL. — ESPN Analysis
NFC NORTH
Playcaller: Ben Johnson, head coach
Expertise: Johnson spent three seasons as Detroit's offensive coordinator (2022-24), a stretch when he referred to as performs for the primary time in his profession. His Lions offenses by no means ranked decrease than fifth in scoring and had been a top-four unit in whole yards in all three seasons.
What to know: There are a number of traits that outline a Johnson offense. In 2024, the Lions ranked first in play-action utilization (36%), had been fifth in pre-snap movement utilization (70%) and used 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 WR, 2 TE) on the third-highest charge within the NFL (32.2%). Detroit's Jared Goff was one among 4 quarterbacks to throw for 4,000 yards (which he did all three seasons with Johnson as his OC) and full 70% of his passes, a mark that the Bears need Caleb Williams to achieve in 2025. Johnson will name performs from the sideline whereas offensive coordinator Declan Doyle can be within the coaches' field. — Courtney Cronin
Key stat: Johnson's Lions lined up underneath heart on 56.2% of performs in 2024, the best charge of any staff. Throughout Johnson's three-season run as Detroit's offensive coordinator, the staff ranked first in proportion of performs run from underneath heart. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: John Morton, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Morton enters his first season as offensive coordinator in Detroit however has greater than twenty years of NFL teaching expertise with the Broncos, Raiders, Lions, Jets, Saints and 49ers.
What to know: Morton is a really detailed coach who steps into his place following Ben Johnson, who left for the top teaching job in Chicago. The 55-year-old was Detroit's senior offensive assistant in 2022 earlier than spending the previous two seasons as Denver's move recreation coordinator, the place Broncos rookie quarterback Bo Nix flourished final season. He additionally has served in offensive assistant roles underneath Jon Gruden with the Raiders, Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco and Sean Payton in New Orleans. Gruden, Morton's mentor, describes him as a hardworking man. “For all of the Detroit followers, what you do not see is the work ethic you are getting. This man is nuts,” Gruden stated. “Folks thought I used to be nuts — this man is freakin' nuts, man. He loves it. He is a artistic man.” — Eric Woodyard
Key stat: Throughout Morton's tenure because the move recreation coordinator in Denver (2023-24), solely the Chiefs (59.9%) had a better proportion of their receiving yards come after the catch (55.9%). — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Matt LaFleur, head coach
Expertise: LaFleur has referred to as the offensive performs throughout his time as Packers coach, starting in 2019. Beforehand, he had just one season of NFL playcalling expertise, with the Titans in 2018.
What to know: LaFleur confronted maybe his largest problem as a playcaller final season after Jordan Love sustained a knee damage within the opener and sat out the following two video games. LaFleur pivoted to backup quarterback Malik Willis, who was thrust into the QB1 function lower than three weeks after he arrived in Inexperienced Bay. Within the first recreation, LaFleur referred to as a run-heavy plan, which included solely 14 passes, to defeat the Colts. The following week, he opened it up slightly extra towards the Titans and Willis threw 19 instances in one other win. — Rob Demovsky
Key stat: In 2024, 48.7% of the Packers' performs had been designed rushes, which was second most within the NFL behind solely the Eagles (51.0%). This got here after the Packers referred to as a designed run on 38.7% of performs in 2023, which ranked 18th within the league. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Kevin O'Connell, head coach
Expertise: O'Connell has referred to as performs in each recreation since he joined the Vikings as head coach for the 2022 season. He additionally referred to as performs throughout components of the 2019 season with Washington.
What to know: O'Connell balanced his run-pass distribution extra in 2024 after a heavy dose of passing in his first two seasons with the staff. He's prone to proceed that pattern in 2025 as he breaks in new quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings had the NFL's third-most dropbacks (1,438) and the eighth-fewest rushes by operating backs (683) in 2022 and 2023, however in 2024 they ranked No. 17 in dropbacks (625) and No. 11 in rushes by operating backs. Considered one of O'Connell's prime strengths as a playcaller is the pre-snap suggestions and options he provides quarterbacks over their radio communication. — Kevin Seifert
Key stat: Since O'Connell turned head coach in 2022, solely the Dolphins (30.7%) have used play-action on extra of their dropbacks than the Vikings (29.9%). — ESPN Analysis
NFC SOUTH
Playcaller: Zac Robinson, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Final season was Robinson's first time calling offensive performs in regular-season video games. Earlier than that, he was capable of minimize his enamel in preseason video games with the Los Angeles Rams, the place he was the quarterbacks coach and passing recreation coordinator. Former Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris introduced Robinson, a former school and NFL quarterback, to Atlanta when he was employed as head coach in 2024.
What to know: Robinson, like his mentor Sean McVay, favors 11 personnel. No staff used the three-WR offensive formation greater than the Falcons in 2024 (85.5% of snaps). The Rams, naturally, had been second. The Falcons had been sixteenth in passing EPA and twelfth in speeding EPA in Robinson's first 12 months as offensive coordinator, which had been strong marks regardless of quarterback Kirk Cousins' struggles starting in Week 10. Cousins was coming off a torn Achilles and motionless, generally unable to execute play-action passes. Robinson ought to have extra playcalling flexibility with Michael Penix Jr. as his quarterback. Penix can also be extra prepared to take probabilities downfield. — Marc Raimondi
Key stat: Final season, the Falcons ran the bottom proportion of performs utilizing play-action within the NFL at 15%. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Dave Canales, head coach
Expertise: Canales discovered his craft in Seattle underneath Pete Carroll. He acquired his large break operating the Tampa Bay offense in 2023, then stored the playcalling duties final season as head coach of the Panthers.
What to know: His philosophy is constructed round a versatile system that focuses on the energy of his quarterback versus a particular system such because the West Coast offense. There's an emphasis on a balanced run-pass assault. It is not a fancy system. It is constructed on easy, easy-to-run ideas with twists and variations to every of these ideas. — David Newton
Key stat: In Canales' first season with the Panthers, Carolina's offense was underneath heart 33% of the time, in contrast with 18% in 2023. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Kellen Moore, head coach
Expertise: That is Moore's first 12 months as a head coach. He beforehand referred to as performs as offensive coordinator for the Cowboys (2019-2022), Chargers (2023) and Eagles (2024)
What to know: Moore has had three stints as a playcaller, as OC of the Cowboys, Chargers and Eagles. Moore was a part of Philadelphia's Tremendous Bowl-winning workers final season. He's the youngest head coach within the league at 37. — Katherine Terrell
Key stat: Throughout Moore's time as offensive coordinator for the Eagles in 2024, Philadelphia used shotgun formation 82% of the time (fourth most within the NFL). The Saints used it 58% final season. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Josh Grizzard, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Grizzard is in his first season because the Bucs offensive coordinator, having spent final 12 months as their move recreation coordinator, and it will mark his first time calling performs. Earlier than Tampa, the Yale graduate and East Wake Excessive College (Wendell, N.C.) valedictorian spent seven seasons on the Dolphins workers, serving as a high quality management coach and vast receivers coach, working underneath Adam Gase, Brian Flores and Mike McDaniel.
What to know: Grizzard was offensive coordinator Liam Coen's “eye within the sky” within the press field and was particularly chargeable for the Bucs' third-down packages, serving to them to a league-best 50.9% third-down conversion charge, which ranks sixth greatest within the league since 2001. “We knew what was approaching these down distances,” Professional Bowl vast receiver Mike Evans stated. He additionally helped determine the Bucs' proficiency of their hole operating scheme in 2024. All-Professional left deal with Tristan Wirfs stated, “He is a wizard. He is aware of what to do. He is aware of what to name.” They're primarily operating the identical scheme as Coen did final 12 months, however with a larger emphasis on downfield passing. His first large take a look at can be not having Wirfs and two of his prime receivers in Chris Godwin Jr. and Jalen McMillan to open the season. — Jenna Laine
Key stat: Serving as a high quality management coach with the Dolphins in 2023, Grizzard contributed to a Miami offense that ranked first in YPG (401.3) and passing YPG (265.5). The Dolphins used play-action 30% of the time in 2023 (second most within the NFL). — ESPN Analysis
NFC WEST
Playcaller: Drew Petzing, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Petzing is in his third season because the Cardinals' offensive coordinator and his third calling performs.
What to know: Petzing has began to grow to be recognized for his creativity and ingenuity in play design and playcalling. However this season can be defining for him. With quarterback Kyler Murray displaying no lingering results from his 2022 ACL damage, vast receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. taking the 12 months 1 to 12 months 2 soar, and tight finish Trey McBride blossoming into an elite playmaker, Petzing can have his choose of weapons. If Arizona has a fantastic season, he may very well be a sizzling title within the 2026 head teaching cycle. — Josh Weinfuss
Key stat: The Cardinals are second within the NFL in yards per rush (5.2) the previous two seasons underneath Petzing, they usually've thrived exterior. Of their runs, 32% have come exterior the tackles, which is the third-highest charge within the league. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Sean McVay, head coach
Expertise: McVay has been calling performs since he was employed as head coach of the Rams in 2017. In these eight seasons, McVay has led the Rams to 6 playoff appearances and two Tremendous Bowls, together with a victory in Tremendous Bowl LVI.
What to know: Earlier than he was employed in Los Angeles, McVay frolicked in Washington teaching underneath Jay Gruden. Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford described McVay as “a extremely good playcaller” who has “a fantastic really feel throughout the recreation. “He clearly understands how you can scheme individuals up in the course of the week,” Stafford stated. “Then if there are changes that must be made, he is as fast as I've ever been round to make these changes.” — Sarah Barshop
Key stat: The Rams have been underneath heart for 44% of snaps since Stafford arrived in 2021 (third in NFL), and Stafford has the second-most move yards from underneath heart (4,198) in the course of the previous 4 seasons. He trails solely former Rams quarterback Jared Goff (5,687). — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Kyle Shanahan, head coach
Expertise: Shanahan is getting into his ninth season in San Francisco and has referred to as the performs in every of them. Earlier than that, he served as offensive coordinator and first playcaller for 9 seasons break up amongst stops with the Texans, Commanders, Browns and Falcons.
What to know: Though Shanahan employed Klay Kubiak as offensive coordinator in the course of the offseason and allowed Kubiak to name the performs within the preseason, he stays on the controls of the Niners' offense. Below Shanahan, San Francisco has ranked within the prime 5 in yardage 5 instances and completed top-eight in offensive anticipated factors added 4 instances. Whereas the 49ers went by huge roster adjustments within the offseason, they welcome again 9 starters on offense, which may imply a return to top-level manufacturing if paired with improved well being, particularly for stalwarts equivalent to operating again Christian McCaffrey, left deal with Trent Williams and tight finish George Kittle. — Nick Wagoner
Key stat: Since 2023 with Brock Purdy because the full-time beginning QB, Shanahan's offense ranks second in proportion of performs utilizing pre-snap movement (76%). Purdy is averaging 8.7 yards/try with movement up to now two seasons, tops within the NFL. — ESPN Analysis
Playcaller: Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator
Expertise: Kubiak beforehand served as offensive coordinator for the Vikings in 2021 and for the Saints final 12 months, with each stints lasting just one season due to head teaching adjustments. The son of Tremendous Bowl-winning head coach Gary Kubiak and the brother of 49ers OC Klay Kubiak, Klint (38) joined the Seahawks in January after they fired Ryan Grubb.
What to know: Kubiak is, in some ways, the antithesis of his playcalling predecessor. Grubb had by no means coached within the NFL till final season, when he imported a college-style, dropback-heavy offense that operated primarily out of the shotgun. Kubiak, however, will lean on the run recreation, utilizing a fullback and a heavy dose of out of doors zone, and with far more of the offense coming from underneath heart. He runs a model of Kyle Shanahan's West Coast offense, a tried-and-true system that appealed to teach Mike Macdonald after his failed leap of religion in Grubb and a scheme that was unproven on the NFL stage. — Brady Henderson
Key stat: Because the Saints' playcaller final season, Kubiak's offense dialed up the fifth-most deep balls within the NFL (70 makes an attempt 20-plus yards downfield). His new quarterback, Sam Darnold, completed first in completion proportion on such passes (55.7%) in 2024 with the Vikings. — ESPN Analysis
