2025 NFL Offensive Play Calling Trends: What’s Working, What’s Not

The 2025 NFL season is in full swing, and with it comes a fresh wave of offensive innovation and strategic adjustments. After a year of surprising upsets and dominant performances, teams are scrambling to find the right formula for success. From new coaching hires to evolving playbooks, the landscape of NFL offenses is constantly shifting. Let’s dive into the key trends shaping offensive play calling in 2025, examining what’s working, what’s not, and which teams are leading the charge.

The Rise of the Player-First Philosophy: Ben Johnson’s Chicago Revolution

One of the most talked-about moves of the offseason was Ben Johnson’s departure from the Detroit Lions to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Johnson, known for his offensive wizardry, has brought a “player-first” philosophy to Chicago, aiming to build the offense around the strengths of quarterback Caleb Williams.

“I’m ripping this thing down to the studs,” Johnson declared upon arrival, signaling a complete overhaul of the Bears’ offensive system. Instead of simply transplanting the Lions’ playbook, Johnson is tailoring the scheme to fit Williams’ unique skill set, which includes exceptional mobility and arm talent.

Johnson’s success in Detroit was built on several key principles:

Motion and Misdirection: Utilizing pre-snap motion to create favorable matchups and confuse defenses.
Efficient Run Game Foundation: Establishing a strong running game with outside zone concepts to set up play-action passes.
Timing-Based Passing Attack: Implementing quick-game timing routes and creative red-zone strategies.

The early returns in Chicago have been promising. Williams has shown flashes of brilliance, and the Bears’ offense looks poised to make a significant leap forward in 2025. The additions of veteran offensive linemen like Joe Thuney, Drew Dolman and Jonah Jackson have fortified the offensive line, while the drafting of tight end Coulson Lovelin and wide receiver Luther Burden provide Williams with exciting new weapons.

The McVay-Shanahan Influence: Adaptability and Evolution

The influence of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan continues to be felt across the league. These offensive masterminds have redefined play calling with their emphasis on adaptability and constant evolution.

Shanahan, despite a 2024 season that fell short of expectations due to injuries, remains the “gold standard” among NFL play callers. His ability to build offensive systems from the ground up, adjusting each element to match his personnel and opponents, sets him apart. Even with the departure of Deebo Samuel Sr., the 49ers’ offense, led by Brock Purdy, is expected to remain a force in the NFC.

McVay, known for his dynamic and adaptable play calling, has built his offensive identity on constant reinvention. His ability to tailor his scheme to different quarterbacks, from Jared Goff to Matthew Stafford, demonstrates his versatility and strategic acumen.

Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings, a product of the McVay coaching tree, has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most inventive play callers. In 2024, he helped quarterback Sam Darnold revive his career, leading the Vikings to their most efficient offensive season under his tenure.

Run-Heavy Approaches: A Shift in Philosophy?

While the passing game continues to dominate the NFL, some teams are bucking the trend and embracing a more run-heavy approach. The Las Vegas Raiders, under new head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, are expected to shift towards a more balanced attack.

Carroll, known for his desire to run the ball, create explosive plays in the passing game, and avoid turnovers, could bring a Seahawks-esque offensive identity to the Raiders. The team’s projected pass rate is expected to drop from 64.3% in 2024 to 56.2% in 2025, while their run rate is projected to increase from 35.7% to 43.8%.

The Seattle Seahawks themselves are undergoing a similar transformation under new head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kubiak, known for his balanced version of “Shanny ball,” is expected to implement a run-based offense that emphasizes efficiency and ball control.

New Faces, New Systems: Coordinators to Watch

The 2025 season has brought a wave of new offensive coordinators, each with their own unique philosophies and approaches. Here are a few to keep an eye on:

Josh McDaniels (New England Patriots): McDaniels returns to New England, where he previously enjoyed tremendous success. His challenge will be to develop quarterback Drake Maye while implementing a complex offensive system.
Chip Kelly (Las Vegas Raiders): Kelly brings his innovative offensive mind to the Raiders, where he’ll aim to revitalize the team’s passing game and create a more balanced attack.
Tanner Engstrand (New York Jets): Engstrand, the former passing game coordinator for the Lions, takes over a Jets offense that has struggled with consistency. His task will be to help Justin Fields find comfort within yet another new system.
Kevin Patullo (Philadelphia Eagles): Patullo steps into the play-calling role for the Eagles, replacing Kellen Moore. While the overall offensive plan is expected to remain similar, Patullo’s ability to execute and sequence plays will be crucial.
Tommy Rees (Cleveland Browns): Rees faces the challenge of establishing a strong running game in Cleveland while also developing the team’s passing attack.

What’s Not Working: Stagnant Offenses and Quarterback Struggles

While some teams are thriving with new offensive approaches, others are struggling to find their footing. The Tennessee Titans, under second-year head coach Callahan, face uncertainty at the quarterback position. While the team landed Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, it remains to be seen whether he can provide the stability and consistency the Titans desperately need.

The New York Giants, despite having an alpha WR1 in Malik Nabers, face questions about their quarterback situation and offensive line. The team’s depth is a concern, and their hopes hinge on Jaxson Dart developing into a reliable starter.

Conclusion: A Season of Offensive Evolution

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a year of significant offensive evolution. From the rise of the player-first philosophy to the continued influence of McVay and Shanahan, teams are constantly adapting and innovating to gain an edge. While some teams are finding success with new approaches, others are struggling to overcome quarterback struggles and offensive stagnation. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see which trends take hold and which teams emerge as the offensive powerhouses of the NFL.