The Masterminds of the Gridiron: Ranking the NFL’s Top Play Callers in 2025
In the ever-evolving chess match that is the National Football League, the ability to dissect defenses and orchestrate explosive offenses is a rare and valuable skill. As the 2025 season approaches, the spotlight shines on the strategic masterminds who hold the keys to their team’s offensive success: the play callers. These coaches are the architects of every drive, the conductors of the offensive symphony, and their decisions can make or break a team’s Super Bowl aspirations. Just ask the Buffalo Bills, whose controversial “Tush Push” attempt in the 2024 AFC Championship game sparked league-wide debate about accurate ball placement, a problem the NFL is addressing with new technology in 2025. But beyond technological advancements, the true difference-makers remain the individuals crafting the plays themselves.
This year, the landscape has shifted. Several offensive coordinator positions have changed hands, with teams vying for the next great mind to lead their attack. So, who are the top play callers poised to dominate in 2025? Let’s dive into the rankings.
The Elite Tier: Offensive Innovators
1. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers: Even after a season where the 49ers fell short of expectations, Shanahan remains the gold standard. His ability to adapt and evolve his offense is unparalleled. The “Shanahan offense” is no longer a static entity; it’s a constantly morphing scheme that keeps defenses guessing. In 2024, despite injuries, the 49ers still finished 11th in EPA per play, showcasing Shanahan’s genius. His willingness to move away from heavy play-action and attack downfield demonstrates his commitment to innovation.
2. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams: McVay, like Shanahan, has proven himself a master of offensive evolution. The Rams’ offense under Jared Goff looks nothing like the current iteration led by Matthew Stafford. McVay’s ability to tailor his scheme to his personnel is a testament to his coaching prowess. He’s consistently produced top-10 scoring offenses, boasting an impressive 8-5 playoff record and a Super Bowl victory. In 2024, McVay shifted towards a more powerful running game, further showcasing his adaptability.
3. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs: While McVay and Shanahan might be the current darlings of the play-calling world, Reid’s longevity and success cannot be ignored. With more rings than the two young guns combined, Reid has consistently been at the forefront of offensive innovation. He was a key figure in modernizing the West Coast offense and his system is the ultimate manifestation of the air raid concept.
The Rising Stars: On the Verge of Greatness
4. Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears: Formerly with the Detroit Lions, Johnson’s innovative play-calling and bold strategies have quickly made him one of the most sought-after offensive minds in the league. His departure leaves a void in Detroit, but his arrival in Chicago signals a potential offensive renaissance for the Bears. Johnson’s ability to elevate quarterback play and create explosive opportunities will be crucial for the Bears’ success.
5. Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens: Monken’s impact on the Ravens’ offense was immediate and significant. He unlocked Lamar Jackson’s full potential, creating a dynamic and unpredictable attack. Monken’s aggressive play-calling and willingness to take risks transformed the Ravens into one of the league’s most exciting offenses.
The Established Veterans: Consistent Excellence
6. Brian Daboll, New York Giants: While the Giants’ offense struggled in 2024, Daboll’s track record speaks for itself. His work with Josh Allen in Buffalo transformed the Bills into an offensive juggernaut. Daboll’s ability to develop quarterbacks and design creative schemes makes him a valuable asset.
7. Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings: O’Connell’s arrival in Minnesota brought a breath of fresh air to the Vikings’ offense. His collaboration with Kirk Cousins (before his injury) produced impressive results. With J.J. McCarthy now potentially at the helm, O’Connell’s ability to mold young quarterbacks will be put to the test.
8. Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals: Taylor has overseen the development of Joe Burrow and the rise of the Bengals’ explosive offense. His play-calling has been instrumental in the team’s success, leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022.
The Wild Cards: Potential to Surprise
9. Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints: After stops in Dallas and Philadelphia, Moore takes his talents to New Orleans. His previous offenses have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been an issue. A fresh start with the Saints could be exactly what Moore needs to unlock his full potential.
10. Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans: Slowik’s first season as an offensive coordinator in Houston was a mixed bag. While the Texans showed promise, their offensive explosiveness waned as the season progressed. Slowik will need to make adjustments and find ways to recapture the magic from early in the year.
The Ones to Watch
Several new offensive coordinators will be making their NFL play-calling debuts in 2025. Tanner Engstrand (New York Jets), Nick Caley (Houston Texans), Josh Grizzard (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Kevin Patullo (Philadelphia Eagles) all face the challenge of implementing their systems and proving themselves at the highest level. Their success, or lack thereof, will significantly impact their teams’ fortunes.
The Ever-Changing Landscape
The world of NFL play-calling is constantly in flux. Coaches get hired, fired, and move on to new opportunities. The ability to adapt, innovate, and develop talent is what separates the good play callers from the great ones. As the 2025 season unfolds, it will be fascinating to watch these masterminds at work, shaping the game with their strategic brilliance.