Fresh Blood: Which New QB-Play Caller Combos Will Explode in 2025?
The NFL is a league of constant change, and the 2025 season is no exception. With a fresh crop of quarterback-play caller combinations taking the field, the potential for explosive offenses is higher than ever. Last season saw an unprecedented number of high-scoring games, with offenses averaging a record-breaking 24.8 points per game. Which of these new partnerships will rise to the top and redefine offensive football?
Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams: Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears arguably made the biggest splash of the offseason by hiring Ben Johnson as their head coach. Johnson, who masterminded the Detroit Lions’ top-five offenses for the past three seasons, is now tasked with unlocking the full potential of quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Williams had a decent rookie season, throwing for 20 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions. However, the Bears’ front office went all-out to provide Williams with the support he needs, adding veteran offensive linemen Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, and Drew Dalman, along with rookies Ozzy Trapilo and Luke Newman. The Bears also have two extremely talented wide receivers in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. With Johnson’s innovative play-calling and a revamped supporting cast, Williams is poised for a breakout year.
“The pairing of Williams and Johnson, whose Lions offenses finished in the top five or better in both points and yards in each of the past three seasons, should produce fireworks for a revamped offense that is loaded with playmakers and protectors following an offseason shopping spree,” says former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks.
Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are betting on Liam Coen to revitalize their offense and unlock Trevor Lawrence’s full potential. Coen, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, brings a diverse offensive scheme that emphasizes yards after catch (YAC) and caters to Lawrence’s strengths.
The Jaguars have surrounded Lawrence with a collection of speedy playmakers, including Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Dyami Brown, and Brenton Strange. This group of pass-catchers should allow Lawrence to string together completions and produce big plays on low-risk throws.
“Given the Jaguars’ firepower and Coen’s play-calling prowess, Lawrence and Co. could dazzle as an efficient offense with big-play potential,” notes Brooks.
Brian Callahan and Cam Ward: Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are hoping that the combination of Brian Callahan and quarterback Cam Ward will spark their offense. Callahan, who previously served as the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator, is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and create explosive passing attacks.
Ward, the Titans’ first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, possesses the talent, tools, and tenacity reminiscent of a young Steve McNair. Callahan’s arrival should add some spice to the Titans’ offense, which ranked 26th in the league last season.
“The marriage between the No.1 overall pick and Joe Burrow’s former tutor should add some spice to the Titans’ 26th-ranked offense that lacked pizzazz and pop with Will Levis under center in 2024,” says Brooks. “With Ward bringing the talent, tools and tenacity that reminds me of a young Steve McNair, the Titans have a quarterback with the ‘alpha dawg’ persona to lead an eye-popping offensive transformation in Nashville.”
Kellen Moore and [Rookie QB]: New Orleans Saints
Kellen Moore earned his first NFL head coaching job by managing the Eagles’ offense to a Super Bowl victory. The Saints will hire Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier to be their offensive coordinator. Moore will call plays, though, for the Saints in 2025.
Josh McDaniels and Drake Maye: New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are embarking on a new era with the return of Josh McDaniels as their offensive coordinator and the arrival of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. McDaniels, who previously led the Patriots’ offense during their dynasty years with Tom Brady, is tasked with developing Maye into a franchise quarterback.
McDaniels has had varied offensive philosophies, and marrying some of his run game with the play-action pass, plus adding in the rushing threat of Maye, could lead to a well-rounded offense.
Other Notable Combinations
- Chip Kelly and Justin Fields, Las Vegas Raiders: Kelly’s innovative offensive mind paired with Fields’ athleticism could create a dynamic rushing attack.
- Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers: Smith’s run-heavy scheme could provide Wilson with a stable foundation to build upon.
The Verdict
While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, the new quarterback-play caller combinations in the NFL offer plenty of reasons for excitement. The pairing of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams in Chicago has the potential to be the most explosive, but other duos like Liam Coen and Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville and Brian Callahan and Cam Ward in Tennessee could also surprise. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on these fresh blood combinations to see which ones will explode and leave their mark on the league.