Next-Gen NFL Playbooks: How Shanahan & McVay’s Offspring are Revolutionizing Offenses in 2025

The NFL is a constantly evolving landscape, with offensive innovation at the forefront. In 2025, the echoes of Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay’s groundbreaking schemes are louder than ever, as their disciples reshape the league with cutting-edge playbooks and a relentless pursuit of offensive efficiency. Just last season, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased the power of a strong running game, bulldozing their way to Super Bowl LIX with a dominant offensive line and a stable of workhorse running backs. This resurgence of power running, combined with the continued evolution of passing concepts, highlights the dynamic nature of NFL offenses in 2025.

The Shanahan & McVay Coaching Trees: A Fertile Ground for Innovation

The influence of Shanahan and McVay extends far beyond their own teams. Their “coaching trees” have sprouted across the league, with former assistants now leading their own franchises and implementing variations of the offensive philosophies they learned under their mentors.

Liam Coen: After a winding journey through college and the NFL, including multiple stints with the Rams and Kentucky, Coen has landed as the Head Coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Mike LaFleur: After working in tandem with Mike McDaniel to build the 49ers offense, LaFleur is now the Offensive Coordinator for the Rams, continuing to evolve the system.
Kevin O’Connell: The Minnesota Vikings’ head coach, formerly an offensive coordinator under McVay, continues to implement and refine the Rams’ offensive principles in Minnesota.
Zac Taylor: The Cincinnati Bengals’ head coach, another product of the McVay system, is known for his aerial attack. Despite Joe Burrow’s injury in 2023, the Bengals’ system remains built around his strong, accurate arm.

These coaches, along with others like Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers) and Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons), are all part of a network that shares ideas and constantly pushes the boundaries of offensive football.

Key Offensive Trends in 2025

Several key trends are shaping NFL offenses in 2025, many of which can be traced back to the Shanahan-McVay influence:

The Resurgence of the Running Game: While passing remains crucial, teams are increasingly prioritizing a strong running game to keep defenses honest and control the clock. The Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning campaign was a testament to this approach.
Emphasis on Interior Offensive Linemen: Teams are investing heavily in elite guards and centers, recognizing that controlling the line of scrimmage is essential for both running and passing success.
The Rise of the Pistol Offense: More teams are adopting the Pistol formation, which blends elements of shotgun and single-back formations to create a more unpredictable and balanced attack.
Dual-Threat Quarterbacks: Quarterbacks who can both pass and run effectively are now highly valued. Teams are designing offenses around mobile QBs who can escape pressure, extend plays, and keep defenses off balance.
RPO Revolution: Run-Pass Option (RPO) plays continue to expand, giving quarterbacks the ability to make real-time decisions based on defensive movement, making offenses more efficient and explosive.
Condensed Formations: NFL offenses are increasingly utilizing condensed formations, with the average formation width decreasing from 25.8 yards in 2020 to 23.6 yards in 2024. This allows for more versatile player roles and creates challenges for defenses.

Wearable Tech: The Next Frontier

The use of wearable technology is poised to revolutionize NFL playbooks and offensive strategies. The league is exploring wearable tech, with one company already receiving league funding for wristband innovation. Imagine Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen equipped with wristbands displaying plays, eliminating the need for lengthy play calls and potentially speeding up the game. In fact, Texas high schools can now use wearable tech for play communication, potentially revolutionizing the game.

The Raiders’ Offensive Revolution

The Las Vegas Raiders, under the guidance of John Spytek, are undergoing an offensive revolution. The acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith and veteran offensive lineman Alex Cappa signals a commitment to addressing offensive weaknesses. The Raiders also drafted multiple offensive linemen and skill position players, including running back Ashton Jeanty and wide receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr., to inject dynamism and playmaking ability into the offense.

Madden NFL 25: Reflecting Real-Life Innovation

The Madden NFL 25 video game reflects the real-life offensive innovation happening in the league. The game features updated playbooks with new plays and formations, mirroring the schemes used by teams like the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers. The game also includes new formations, such as Gun Bunch Spread Nasty, and updated playbooks that stem from real-life play-calling innovation. For example, Justin Jefferson’s 97-yard Week Two touchdown is now in Minnesota’s offensive playbook as PA Shot Post.

The Future of NFL Offenses

As the NFL continues to evolve, the next generation of offensive playbooks will likely incorporate elements of technology, data analytics, and innovative coaching. The Shanahan-McVay coaching tree will continue to produce new offensive minds, and the league will see even more creative and explosive offenses in the years to come. The emphasis on versatility, adaptability, and exploiting defensive weaknesses will be paramount for success in the modern NFL.