2025 NFL Coaching Carousel: Analyzing the Impact of New Offensive Play Callers
The 2024 NFL season concluded with a stunning Super Bowl LIX upset, but the drama didn’t end there. As the confetti settled, a whirlwind of coaching changes swept across the league, leaving fans and analysts alike to dissect the potential impact of new offensive play callers. With nearly half the league sporting fresh faces in crucial offensive roles, the 2025 season promises a fascinating chess match of strategies and adjustments. Last year, the Detroit Lions averaged 33.1 PPG, which was 2.5 more PPG than the next closest team, Buffalo. This sets a high bar for the new play callers coming into the 2025 season.
The Rise of the Rookie Head Coaches and Their Offensive Visions
Several teams have entrusted their offensive fortunes to first-time head coaches who will also be calling the plays. Ben Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, now leads the Chicago Bears. Kellen Moore, after a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, takes the reins of the New Orleans Saints. Brian Schottenheimer, previously an offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, is now the head coach for the Dallas Cowboys.
Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson and the Caleb Williams Era
The Bears’ acquisition of Ben Johnson is arguably the most talked-about move of the offseason. Johnson’s success in Detroit, where he transformed Jared Goff into an MVP candidate and consistently produced top-5 scoring offenses, has raised expectations in Chicago. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams will be under immense pressure to perform, but with Johnson’s guidance and the additions of veteran offensive linemen like Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, the Bears’ offense could finally take flight. Last season, the Bears were near the bottom of the league in passing yards (31st), rushing yards (25th), overall yards (32nd) and points (28th), so there is a lot of room for improvement.
New Orleans Saints: Kellen Moore’s Quarterback Conundrum
Kellen Moore inherits a Saints team in transition. With Derek Carr’s unexpected retirement due to a shoulder injury, Moore faces the challenge of developing either second-year player Spencer Rattler or rookie Tyler Shough. Moore’s track record of success with quarterbacks like Dak Prescott and Justin Herbert offers hope, but the Saints’ offense will need to adapt quickly to a new signal-caller.
Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer’s Chance to Shine
Brian Schottenheimer’s promotion to head coach in Dallas raised eyebrows, especially considering the Cowboys’ offensive struggles in 2024. While he served as the offensive coordinator, he didn’t call the plays, leaving many to wonder if he can truly revitalize the Cowboys’ offense. Schottenheimer’s experience with developing quarterbacks and creating dynamic offenses will be crucial in maximizing the potential of Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ talented receiving corps.
Veteran Coordinators in New Homes
The 2025 coaching carousel also saw experienced offensive coordinators finding new opportunities. Josh McDaniels returns to the New England Patriots, Chip Kelly joins the Las Vegas Raiders, and Klint Kubiak heads to the Seattle Seahawks.
New England Patriots: McDaniels Returns to Foxborough
Josh McDaniels’ return to New England marks his third stint with the team. While his previous success with Tom Brady is undeniable, questions remain about his ability to build a successful offense without a Hall of Fame quarterback. The development of Drake Maye will be paramount, and McDaniels’ ability to tailor his system to Maye’s strengths will determine the Patriots’ offensive trajectory.
Las Vegas Raiders: Chip Kelly’s Innovative Mindset
Chip Kelly’s arrival in Las Vegas brings a unique offensive perspective. Known for his fast-paced, high-scoring offenses in college, Kelly’s NFL track record has been mixed. However, with a talented quarterback like Geno Smith and weapons like Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, Kelly could inject new life into the Raiders’ offense.
Seattle Seahawks: Kubiak’s Run-Heavy Approach
Klint Kubiak takes over the Seahawks’ offense with a reputation for establishing a strong running game. His offenses have historically favored the run, which could benefit running backs like Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. Kubiak’s ability to integrate the passing game effectively will be key to the Seahawks’ overall offensive success.
First-Time Play Callers Stepping Up
Several teams are entrusting their offenses to coaches with no prior play-calling experience. Nick Caley takes over the Houston Texans’ offense, Tanner Engstrand leads the New York Jets, and Josh Grizzard gets his first shot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Houston Texans: Nick Caley’s Rams Connection
Nick Caley’s promotion to offensive coordinator in Houston comes after serving as the tight ends coach for the Los Angeles Rams. With similarities between the Rams and Texans offenses, Caley’s experience in a play-action system could benefit quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans’ running game.
New York Jets: Tanner Engstrand’s Opportunity
Tanner Engstrand, formerly the passing game coordinator for the Detroit Lions, gets his first opportunity to call plays for the New York Jets. With Justin Fields now at quarterback, Engstrand will need to develop a system that maximizes Fields’ dual-threat abilities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Grizzard’s Seamless Transition
Josh Grizzard steps into the offensive coordinator role for the Buccaneers, aiming to maintain the success they had with Baker Mayfield. With a focus on continuity and minimal changes to the existing system, Grizzard hopes to keep the Buccaneers’ offense humming.
The Constant Standard: Shanahan and McVay
Amidst all the changes, some things remain constant. Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams continue to be the gold standard for offensive play callers in the NFL. Their ability to adapt, innovate, and consistently produce top-tier offenses sets them apart.
Kyle Shanahan: The Master of Evolution
Shanahan’s offenses are known for their adaptability and reliance on the run game. Even after a season that fell short of expectations, the 49ers still finished 11th in EPA per play on offense. Shanahan’s ability to evolve his system and maximize the talent around him makes him a perennial top play caller.
Sean McVay: The Reinventor
McVay’s offensive identity is defined by constant reinvention. From Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford, McVay has consistently adapted his system to fit his personnel. His creativity and adaptability have made the Rams’ offense one of the most dynamic in the league.
The 2025 NFL season promises to be a fascinating showcase of offensive innovation and adaptation. With so many new play callers taking the reins, the league is poised for a season of surprises and strategic battles. Whether it’s a rookie head coach looking to make a splash or a veteran coordinator seeking a fresh start, the impact of these changes will be felt across the league.