The Play-Calling Elite: Ranking the NFL’s Top Offensive Masterminds in 2025
In the ever-evolving chess match that is the NFL, the offensive play-caller stands as a pivotal figure. More than just strategists, they are architects of scoring drives, conductors of offensive symphonies, and the masterminds behind a team’s very identity. As the 2025 season dawns, it’s time to dissect the landscape and rank the league’s most brilliant offensive minds. Last season, the Washington Commanders, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, stunned the league, securing an NFC Championship berth. Much of their success is attributed to offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
The Standard Bearers
1. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers: Even after a 2024 season that saw the 49ers fall short of expectations, Shanahan remains the gold standard. His ability to adapt and evolve his offensive schemes is unmatched. The “Shanahan offense” is less a fixed identity and more a constantly morphing system tailored to his personnel. Despite injuries impacting the team, the 49ers still ranked 11th in EPA per play in 2024. Shanahan’s genius lies in constructing a system from the ground up, adjusting each element to match his players’ strengths and exploit opponent weaknesses.
2. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams: McVay’s offensive identity is defined by constant reinvention. The Rams’ offense under Jared Goff is unrecognizable from the one now led by Matthew Stafford. McVay has blended different concepts, showcasing his creativity and adaptability. In 2024, the Rams ranked 11th in Offense+ and were a top-10 offensive EPA team. McVay’s ability to stay ahead of the curve makes him one of the league’s most dynamic play-callers.
The Rising Stars
3. Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears: Johnson enters 2025 as one of the NFL’s premier play-callers, now as the head coach of the Chicago Bears. His remarkable run in Detroit saw him orchestrate one of the most efficient and productive offenses in recent memory. In 2024, the Detroit Lions ranked third-best in Offense+ since 2019. Johnson’s ability to craft systems tailored to his roster consistently produced explosive results. Now, he faces a different challenge in Chicago, tasked with developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
4. Kevin O’Connell, Minnesota Vikings: The 2024 Coach of the Year, O’Connell has quickly emerged as one of the NFL’s most inventive play-callers. A product of the McVay coaching tree, O’Connell has built something of his own with the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Sam Darnold revived his career in his lone season in Minnesota, and the Vikings’ offense was the most efficient of O’Connell’s tenure thus far (13th in Offense+). In 2025, the focus shifts to J.J. McCarthy, who’s coming off an injury that forced him to miss his entire rookie season.
The Established Elite
5. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs: A coaching legend, Reid consistently finds ways to keep the Chiefs’ offense among the league’s best. His innovative play designs and ability to maximize the talents of Patrick Mahomes make him a perennial contender for the top spot.
6. Matt LaFleur, Green Bay Packers: LaFleur has seamlessly integrated his offensive system in Green Bay, consistently producing efficient and effective offenses. His ability to develop quarterbacks and create a strong running game makes the Packers a threat.
The Ones to Watch
7. Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills: Brady’s fingerprints are all over some of college football’s most explosive moments, including Joe Burrow’s historic 2019 season at LSU. After a stint in Carolina, Brady landed in Buffalo, first as quarterbacks coach and then as offensive coordinator. Since taking over as Buffalo’s play-caller, the Bills have posted the NFL’s highest EPA per pass (0.228) and the second-highest EPA per rush (0.089). With Josh Allen entering his prime, Brady isn’t just calling plays—he’s conducting a symphony.
8. Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars: Coen may not have been a household name heading into the 2024 season, but he authored one of the most brilliant coaching efforts in the NFL. As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, Coen helped elevate a unit that ranked 22nd in EPA per play the previous year all the way to fourth. The quick-hitting, balanced attack allowed Baker Mayfield to enjoy the most productive season of his career. The Buccaneers posted a career-best Offense+ grade of 92.2, which is among the best marks in the metric’s history.
9. Kliff Kingsbury, Washington Commanders: Kingsbury’s return to the NFL has been nothing short of spectacular. He immediately turned rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels into an MVP candidate, leading the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. Kingsbury’s offensive philosophy—fast, aggressive, and unpredictable—has found its perfect vessel in Daniels.
10. Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens: Monken showcased his offensive schemes and play-calling prowess in 2023. Lamar Jackson set a career-high for completion rate with 67.2% and yards per attempt with 8.0. Jackson would win his second League MVP.
The Dark Horses
Chip Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders: Kelly’s high-octane, uptempo offense at Oregon changed how the game was played. After helping Ohio State to a National Championship, Kelly is back in the NFL as offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots: McDaniels runs a complex system that can overwhelm young players. If he has learned from past missteps, he will build the foundation first and ramp up complexity later, likely making this more of a 2026 breakout offense than a 2025 one.
Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys: Since taking over, he has promised a run-heavy identity that uses pre-snap motion to create mismatches and open lanes for Dallas’ playmakers.
The New Faces
Several new offensive coordinators will be making their debut in 2025, including Tanner Engstrand (New York Jets), Nick Caley (Houston Texans), Josh Grizzard (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and Kevin Patullo (Philadelphia Eagles). Engstrand made his debut as an NFL play-caller on Sunday, and you couldn’t have asked for a better result. The Jets’ offense punched well above its weight class, scoring 32 points against one of the best defenses in professional football.
The Ever-Changing Landscape
The NFL is a league of constant change, and the offensive play-callers who thrive are those who can adapt and innovate. As the 2025 season unfolds, it will be fascinating to watch these masterminds at work, shaping the game with their strategic brilliance.