After the 2023 NFL season, which saw teams score an average of just 20.7 points per game—the lowest since 2017—many wonder if a fresh group of play callers can boost scoring this year. The NFL play caller landscape is a mix of new and returning faces. League veterans like Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs, Sean Payton of the Denver Broncos, and Alex Van Pelt, the new offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, are set to call plays for their teams. Meanwhile, first-timers like Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan and Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will step into the role of play callers for the first time.
Other coaches aim to recover from a challenging 2023. Will New York Giants coach Brian Daboll shape his fate by taking over play calling duties? Can New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett unlock the potential of quarterback Aaron Rodgers and receiver Garrett Wilson? And will Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, after a yearlong NFL hiatus that included a stint at USC, find redemption following his troubled head-coaching run in Arizona?
Here’s A Look At The NFL Play Callers For All 32 Teams
AFC East
1. Buffalo Bills
Play caller: Joe Brady, OC
Experience: Former Panthers O.C.; Bills Q.B. coach before promotion in 2023.
Overview: Brady, in his second season, shifted the Bills’ focus to more runs (up to 47%) after taking over in mid-2023. He aims to build around QB Josh Allen with more of his style, balancing the offense after Stefon Diggs’s departure.
Key Stat: Called designed runs 47% of the time from Weeks 11-18, 2nd highest in NFL.
2. Miami Dolphins
Play caller: Mike McDaniel, HC
Experience: Third season as Dolphins H.C. and play caller.
Overview: The Dolphins led the league in total yards last season, emphasizing the run game (135.8 yards/game) and pre-snap motion (80.3%). Speedsters like Hill and Waddle will continue to be crucial.
Key Stat: Motion was used at the snap in 67% of plays, the highest percentage in the NFL.
3. New England Patriots
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Play caller: Alex Van Pelt, OC
Experience: 20 years as a coach; former OC for Bills and Browns.
Overview: Van Pelt brings a West Coast offense with wide-zone runs, focusing on big plays from Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. His experience with multiple Q.B.s is critical to developing rookie QB Drake Maye.
Key Stat: 35% of Browns’ passing yards came from play-action last season.
4. New York Jets
Play caller: Nathaniel Hackett, OC
Experience: Former O.C. for Bills and Jaguars; H.C. for Broncos.
Overview: Hackett’s offense struggled the last two years, but he remains due to his relationship with Aaron Rodgers. He plans to incorporate more motion with WR Garrett Wilson and relies on Rodgers’ input.
Key Stat: Jets had 53% of receiving yards after the catch last season.
AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens
Play caller: Todd Monken, OC
Experience: Monken is in his second season at Ravens O.C. after three years at Georgia and stints with the Buccaneers (2016-2018) and Browns (2019).
Overview: Monken revitalized the Ravens’ offense, ranking 4th in scoring (28.4 points/game) and 6th in total yards (370.4). Under him, Lamar Jackson hit career highs with 3,678 passing yards and a 67.2% completion rate. Critics pointed to the AFC Championship loss, where the Ravens ran just six times against the Chiefs’ weak run defense.
Key Stat: Ravens’ 11 personnel usage jumped from 12% in 2022 to 48% in 2023, the highest increase under Monken.
2. Cincinnati Bengals
Play caller: Zac Taylor, HC
Experience: Taylor has called plays in all six seasons as Bengals H.C.
Overview: Despite Dan Pitcher replacing Brian Callahan as OC, Taylor remains the play caller. He emphasized better synergy between the run and pass game, adding Justin Riscati as pass game coordinator. Even with Burrow only healthy for five games, the Bengals ranked 11th in touchdowns per drive. They aim to improve explosive plays after ranking 25th in air yards per attempt for Weeks 5-10.
Key Stat: The Bengals used shotgun on 84% of plays in 2023, and with Burrow, it was 91%, second only to the Eagles.
3. Cleveland Browns
Play caller: Kevin Stefanski, HC
Experience: Stefanski has called plays since becoming Browns H.C. in 2020 after being the Vikings’ O.C. in 2019.
Overview: Stefanski, fresh off his second Coach of the Year award, will continue to call plays despite a new O.C. in Ken Dorsey. The Browns need to restore Deshaun Watson to Pro Bowl form after only 12 games in Cleveland due to suspension and injuries.
Key Stat: Browns used 11 personnel on 68% of plays in 2023, a big jump from 47% from 2020 to 2022.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Play caller: Arthur Smith, OC
Experience: Smith returned to the Steelers’ O.C. role after coaching the Falcons and previously being the Titans’ O.C. (2019-2020).
Overview: Smith plans a run-heavy offense with the Steelers, relying on players like Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, George Pickens, and revamped offensive lines. The focus is deciding between QBs Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and optimizing their use.
Key Stat: Smith’s Falcons used play action at the second-highest rate (32%), while the Steelers were in the bottom five in play action for nine straight seasons.
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AFC South
1. Houston Texans
Play caller: Bobby Slowik, OC
Experience: Slowik is in his second year as the Texans’ O.C.
Overview: Slowik emphasizes getting playmakers the ball in space and targeting the middle of the field. Under him, C.J. Stroud led the NFL in passer rating (115) on throws over the middle and ranked fourth in passing yards. Tight end Brevin Jordan highlighted Slowik’s focus on creating one-on-one situations for his players.
Key Stat: The Texans used under-center snaps on 40% of plays last season, the sixth-highest in the NFL.
2. Indianapolis Colts
Play caller: Shane Steichen, HC
Experience: Steichen called plays for the Chargers in 2019 and the Eagles from 2021-2022 before becoming the Colts’ head coach in 2023.
Overview: Steichen’s experience developing young Q.B.s like Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts offers hope for Anthony Richardson’s growth. Steichen improved their scoring from last to 13th in the league in his first season with the Colts. His 2022 Eagles offense ranked in the top three in points, yards, and QBR, helping them reach the Super Bowl.
Key Stat: The Colts ran 90% of their plays in shotgun last season, second only to the Eagles (93%).
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Play caller: Press Taylor, OC
Experience: Taylor is in his third season as O.C. and his second as a full-time play caller.
Overview: Though Taylor has complete control over play calling, head coach Doug Pederson may step in, as he shared duties with Taylor in 2022. Pederson has defended Taylor, blaming last season’s struggles on injuries and offensive line issues rather than play calling. Owner Shahid Khan hinted he prefers Pederson to call plays.
Key Stat: The Jaguars led the NFL in both outside-the-numbers pass attempts (29%) and passing yards (2,440) on those throws last season.
4. Tennessee Titans
Play caller: Brian Callahan, HC
Experience: This is Callahan’s first season as head coach and play caller after serving as the Bengals’ O.C. (2019-2023).
Overview: Callahan, who has coached top Q.B.s like Peyton Manning and Joe Burrow, looks to revamp Tennessee’s passing game, which has been stagnant since 2021. He will rely on receivers like Tyler Boyd, Calvin Ridley, and DeAndre Hopkins while maintaining a balanced offense. The Titans aim to develop Will Levis under Callahan’s guidance.
Key Stat: The Titans used play action on 28% of their dropbacks last season, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. This rate might drop in 2024.
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos
Play caller: Sean Payton, HC
Experience: Over 20 years as a play caller, including 16 seasons as a head coach (15 with the Saints, one with Denver).
Overview: Payton will start the season with rookie QB Bo Nix, the first rookie QB to start a season opener for the Broncos since John Elway in 1983. Payton plans to adapt the offense to Nix’s strengths, incorporating more pistol formations, RPOs, and bootlegs while focusing on a strong run game to support Nix.
Key Stat: The Broncos led the NFL in passes thrown at or behind the line of scrimmage last season (33%).
2. Kansas City Chiefs
Play caller: Andy Reid, HC
Experience: Reid has called plays for 25 seasons as a head coach (14 with the Eagles, 11 with the Chiefs).
Overview: Despite frequent changes at OC, Reid’s influence keeps the Chiefs’ offense consistent. The Chiefs emphasized deep passing this preseason, targeting rookie WR Xavier Worthy early and often. Expect them to continue this approach until defenses adjust.
Key Stat: The Chiefs ran 102 screenplays last season, the highest ever since 2006.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Play caller: Luke Getsy, OC
Experience: Getsy previously served as the Bears’ O.C. (2022-2023) and spent seven seasons with the Packers in various roles.
Overview: Getsy’s familiarity with Davante Adams, stemming from their time in Green Bay, is crucial. With Adams missing some of camp for personal reasons, Getsy may rely on him early to stabilize the offense, especially with Gardner Minshew as the new starting Q.B.
Key Stat: Getsy used play action on 27% of the Bears’ dropbacks, ranking eighth in the NFL during his tenure.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
Play caller: Greg Roman, OC
Experience: Roman has been an O.C. with the 49ers, Bills, and Ravens, known for his creative run-heavy schemes.
Overview: Roman, known for his run-first philosophy, aims to create a balanced offense in L.A. after his schemes drew criticism and led to his exit from Baltimore. He wants to maximize Justin Herbert’s skills while incorporating effective rushing strategies.
Key Stat: Roman’s offenses had a 45% designed rush percentage with the Ravens, the second-highest in the NFL from 2019 to 2022.
NFC East
1. Dallas Cowboys
Play caller: Mike McCarthy, HC
Experience: McCarthy has called plays extensively, starting with the Saints and Niners, and throughout his 13 years with the Packers. He became the Cowboys’ play caller in 2023, developing a solid connection with Q.B. Dak Prescott, who finished second in MVP voting.
Overview: In McCarthy’s first season calling plays, the Cowboys led the NFL in points per game (29.9) and 10-play drives (47). They were fifth in yards per game (371.6) and had the top passing offense, with Prescott leading in touchdown passes and WR CeeDee Lamb topping in receptions and second in yards. This season, McCarthy faces a new challenge with potential rookies on the offensive line and a running back committee, including Ezekiel Elliott. Prescott is expected to thrive in his second year under McCarthy’s play calling.
Key Stat: Under McCarthy, the Cowboys increased their designed pass percentage by 7.5%, using four wide receivers on 66 plays, the most in the NFL.
2. New York Giants
Play caller: Brian Daboll, HC
Experience: Daboll has been a play caller at both the NFL and college levels, including successful tenures at Alabama and Buffalo. He takes over play-calling for the Giants this season after previously sharing duties with Mike Kafka.
Overview: Daboll’s decision to assume play calling duties reflects his confidence in his offensive strategies. Known for his success with the Bills, Daboll aims to bring the same approach to the Giants. He’s been leading offensive meetings and has emphasized his role in the team’s play calling.
Key Stat: In his final two seasons with the Bills, Daboll led in play action usage (32.2% and 39.4% of pass yards), the highest in the NFL.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
Play caller: Kellen Moore, OC
Experience: Moore was the Cowboys’ O.C. (2019-2022) and the Chargers’ O.C. in 2023.
Overview: Moore, brought in to replace Brian Johnson, has introduced increased pre-snap motion to the Eagles’ offense. This change aims to enhance matchups for star receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Early feedback shows Q.B. Jalen Hurts is performing well with Moore’s system.
Key Stat: The Chargers, under Moore, had the fastest play tempo last season (26.7 seconds per play). The Eagles were 16th (28.6 seconds), and Moore plans to boost their motion usage, where the Eagles ranked last (25.7%).
4. Washington Commanders
Play caller: Kliff Kingsbury, OC
Experience: Kingsbury, formerly the head coach of the Cardinals, called plays in college and the NFL, including stints at Houston, Texas A&M, and Texas Tech.
Overview: Known for his Air Raid offense, Kingsbury’s Arizona teams showed a balanced attack but struggled in the latter half of seasons. In Washington, he’ll integrate ideas from run game coordinator Anthony Lynn, pass game coordinator Brian Johnson, and line coach Bobby Johnson to work with rookie Q.B. Jayden Daniels.
Key Stat: Kingsbury’s Arizona teams used ten personnel at the highest rate in the NFL (17.1%).
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NFC North
1. Chicago Bears
Play caller: Shane Waldron, OC
Experience: Waldron comes from Sean McVay’s coaching tree, having worked as the Rams’ tight ends coach and pass game coordinator before spending the last three seasons as Seattle’s offensive coordinator.
Overview: Waldron’s play calling history includes working with quarterbacks like Jared Goff, Russell Wilson, and Geno Smith, who led the NFL in completion percentage in 2022. His approach contrasts with Chicago’s run-heavy strategy; Seattle focused more on passing plays (64%), while Chicago leaned toward runs (45%).
Key Stat: Waldron used multiple tight ends on 38% of plays, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL.
2. Detroit Lions
Play caller: Ben Johnson, OC
Experience: Johnson became Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022, gaining a reputation for creativity. Before that, he held various roles on the Lions’ staff and worked with the offense at multiple levels.
Overview: Johnson’s play calling has significantly boosted the Lions’ offense, making them a top-performing unit. He’s been instrumental in their success and chose to stay with Detroit despite head coaching opportunities. The Lions ranked second in passing yards and third in total yards in 2023.
Key Stat: Under Johnson, the Lions led the NFL in bunch sets (19% in 2023, 23% in 2022).
3. Green Bay Packers
Play caller: Matt LaFleur, HC
Experience: LaFleur has called plays as the Packers head coach since 2019 and had a season of NFL play calling experience with the Titans in 2018.
Overview: LaFleur’s offense thrived with Aaron Rodgers, and after a slow start with Jordan Love, he adjusted to generate explosive plays. LaFleur emphasized play calling, which fosters trust and effectiveness.
Key Stat: LaFleur used motion at the snap on 36% of plays in 2023, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL, and averaged 6.0 yards per play on those snaps, the fifth-highest mark.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Play caller: Kevin O’Connell, HC
Experience: O’Connell has called plays for the Vikings since 2022 and during parts of the 2019 season with Washington.
Overview: O’Connell’s play calling has been pass-oriented, with the Vikings having the third-most dropbacks and the eighth-fewest rushes. Emphasis has been on second-level routes, but this may shift as the Vikings transition from Kirk Cousins to Sam Darnold.
Key Stat: The Vikings have had the second-most dropbacks since 2022, tied with the Chiefs. O’Connell has used designed rollouts on 8.4% of these dropbacks, the third-highest rate in the NFL.
NFC South
1. Atlanta Falcons
Play caller: Zac Robinson, OC
Experience: Robinson begins his first season as a coordinator and NFL play caller. Previously, he was an offensive assistant with the Rams and served as their pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
Overview: Robinson, a McVay disciple, has developed a reputation as a quarterback guru. He worked his way up from coaching quarterbacks and wide receivers to being the pass game coordinator under McVay and Kevin O’Connell. His hiring by Falcons coach Raheem Morris reflects his strong background.
Key Stat: Under Robinson, the Rams used 11 personnel on 93% of their plays, the highest percentage in the league. In contrast, the Falcons used 11 personnel on only 25% of their plays.
2. Carolina Panthers
Play caller: Dave Canales, HC
Experience: Canales had his first play calling role last season with the Buccaneers. He helped Baker Mayfield achieve career highs in passing yards and touchdowns.
Overview: Known as a “quarterback whisperer,” Canales has worked with quarterbacks like Mayfield, Geno Smith, and Russell Wilson. He focuses on a balanced run game and quick passing plays, adapting his scheme to fit his players’ strengths. Bryce Young will benefit from Canales’ emphasis on quick releases and effective pre-snap mechanics.
Key Stat: Under Canales, the Buccaneers threw 13% of their passes 20+ yards downfield, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL.
3. New Orleans Saints
Play caller: Klint Kubiak, OC
Experience: Kubiak has experience as the Vikings’ offensive coordinator and served as passing game coordinator with the Broncos and 49ers.
Overview: The Saints revamped their offense by replacing Pete Carmichael with Kubiak. Despite his father’s influence, Gary Kubiak and Dennis Allen emphasized that Klint Kubiak would bring his unique approach to the role.
Key Stat: The 49ers used empty sets at the sixth-highest rate in the NFL with Kubiak as passing game coordinator, averaging an NFL-best 10.2 yards per play from empty sets.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Play caller: Liam Coen, OC
Experience: Coen brings experience from college and the NFL, including a stint as Rams offensive coordinator under Sean McVay.
Overview: Coen’s college experience includes working with quarterbacks and as an offensive coordinator. His NFL stint with the Rams involved working closely with McVay, but he did not call plays.
Key Stat: At Kentucky in 2023, Coen’s offense used shotgun at the sixth-lowest rate in the FBS. The Rams operated out of shotgun at the second-lowest rate in the NFL during his time there.
NFC West
1. Arizona Cardinals
Play caller: Drew Petzing, OC
Experience: Petzing began as the Cardinals’ play caller in 2023.
Overview: Known for his creativity and teaching ability, Petzing managed a dynamic offense despite Kyler Murray missing the first nine games. He developed James Conner into a 1,000-yard rusher and combined a power running game with a passing game that leverages Murray’s skills.
Key Stat: 32% of the Cardinals’ rushing attempts were outside the tackles, the third-highest rate in the NFL, averaging 6.6 yards per rush.
2. Los Angeles Rams
Play caller: Sean McVay, HC
Experience: McVay has called plays since becoming Rams head coach in 2017.
Overview: A leading offensive mind, McVay has led the Rams to two Super Bowls, including one win. His offense frequently uses 11 personnel with a high motion rate. Despite his passing game reputation, the Rams rank high in rush rate.
Key Stat: The Rams used 11 personnel on 95% of their offensive plays last season, the highest rate since 2007.
3. San Francisco 49ers
Play caller: Kyle Shanahan, HC
Experience: Shanahan has been calling plays since becoming 49ers head coach in 2017, following stints as an offensive coordinator with multiple teams.
Overview: Shanahan’s offense was top-ranked in several categories last season. Although he let Klay Kubiak call plays during the preseason, Shanahan remains the primary NFL play caller. With all 11 starters potentially returning, the 49ers could improve further.
Key Stat: The 49ers used a condensed formation on 64% of their offensive plays last season, the highest rate since 2016.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Play caller: Ryan Grubb, OC
Experience: Grubb, entering his first NFL season, previously excelled in college as an offensive coordinator.
Overview: Grubb, hired after a strong college tenure, will need to adapt to a more balanced attack under defensive-minded coach Mike Macdonald. At Washington, Grubb’s offense led FBS in passing yards per game.
Key Stat: As Washington’s OC, Grubb’s quarterback Michael Penix Jr. led FBS with 555 pass attempts in 15 games last season.
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