For many NFL teams, plays are called and orchestrated by its offensive coordinator. In cases like this, offensive coordinators often have just as much of an influence as the team’s head coach. Evidently, good coordinators are extremely valuable, they can make or break an offense or defense. Almost every team in the league, with a few exceptions, has an offensive coordinator who is solely responsible for the team’s game plan. However, some teams have a head coach who calls the plays. Though even these head coaches were former offensive coordinators at one point, think of Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Andy Reid, Mike McDaniel, and many more.

Each play-caller, be it a head coach or coordinator, has a different scheme and system that they run. The Dolphins’ Mike McDaniel, for example, has cemented himself as one of the league’s most creative coaches, utilizing speed in the air to dominate the passing game. Conversely, the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, prioritizes the run game and looks to establish the ground game.

With that said, here are my top five play-callers:

1. Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers

Following in his father Mike Shanahan’s footsteps, Kyle Shanahan set the standard for play-calling in the NFL. After leading one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses for the Atlanta Falcons, Kyle Shanahan was hired by the 49ers. Since arriving in San Francisco, Shanahan has found tremendous success on offense.

As a play-caller, Shanahan utilizes zone running, play-action passing, pre-snap motion, and simplifying the system for the quarterback. Shanahan does an exceptional job of getting the most out of his skill players and finding mismatches in the open field. The 49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk, for example, is a fullback, a position often overlooked. And while opposing defenses might expect Juszczyk, as a fullback, to not play a pivotal role in an offense, Shanahan fools them by finding creative ways to use Juszczyk as a chess piece. The same goes for Deebo Samuel, who the Niners frequently use in both the run and the pass game. This system works perfectly with quarterbacks who can get the ball out quickly, make good decisions throwing over the middle, and occasionally throw a deep ball downfield. Matt Ryan and Brock Purdy do that to a tee.

Overall, the balance between his scheme and philosophy leads Shanahan to have some of the most successful offenses in the NFL year in and year out and keeps opposing defenses guessing constantly.

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2. Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams

Sean McVay was hired by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, becoming the youngest NFL head coach in the modern era. McVay inherited a struggling Rams team that finished last in points and total yards, but he led them to an 11-5 record in his first year, showcasing his capabilities. Now entering his eighth season, McVay has guided the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, winning one, and achieving a 70-45 total record.

Similar to division rival Kyle Shanahan, McVay’s scheme maximizes player talent, particularly through the outside running game and play-action pass. Players like Todd Gurley, Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua, Robert Woods, and Kyren Williams have thrived under his system. Jared Goff performed well with McVay, but McVay’s offensive genius was truly on display after the acquisition of Matthew Stafford.

McVay frequently utilizes 11 personnel (one running back, one tight end, three wide receivers) to create versatility and highlight mismatches. Since taking over in Los Angeles, McVay has proven to be one of the best play-callers in all of football.

3. Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

We all knew Andy Reid would find himself on this list at some point. Reid has a coaching record of 258-144-1 since becoming a head coach. He has successfully led the Chiefs to three Super Bowls in 2019, 2023, and 2024, making four Super Bowl appearances in five seasons (2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023). Reid’s scheme involves quick, short passes that allow receivers to gain yards after the catch, along with stretching the field with deep passes. Last year, the Chiefs primarily used 11 personnel and threw the ball 74% of the time. While the Chiefs’ offense last season may not have been one of the best under Reid’s tenure, it didn’t matter, as they were crowned champions in February.

Reid is also known for his creative mind and his willingness to try things that no one else would ever attempt or think about. In a report by the Kansas City Star, Reid once admitted that he took a play suggestion from a janitor while he was in Green Bay, showcasing his open-minded approach to coaching. In addition, we saw the Chiefs use a circle formation against the Raiders in 2023 that made numerous headlines and ultimately resulted in a touchdown.

Some people argue that Reid is only successful because of Patrick Mahomes, but that simply isn’t true. He has led successful offenses for years, first with the Eagles and then with Alex Smith in Kansas City. With Reid’s creative mind and the talent around him, the Chiefs will always be a special team under his leadership.

4. Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions

Ben Johnson was promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator by the Lions in 2022, and since then, he hasn’t looked back. Johnson has become one of the most trendy names to potentially become a head coach, having had multiple interviews for two consecutive years. He has ultimately declined offers from several teams to return to the culture and home of Detroit. Johnson led the Lions to an offense that ranked 5th in points per game, 2nd in total yards, and 3rd in yards per play. We have seen players thrive under Johnson’s system, including Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and many more.

As far as his scheme goes, Johnson loves to use layered play packages similar to those used by McVay and Shanahan. He excels at creating multiple plays that build off one another, making each play look familiar to the defenses. This approach helps to confuse defenses, as they are often caught off-guard by what the next play will be. He tailors specific packages to players with unique skill sets, such as Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who excel with the ball in their hands. Like many coordinators, Johnson also utilizes pre-snap motion to throw defenses off. In addition, he has implemented unique route concepts that are not traditional, keeping defensive backs guessing while also integrating the running game into the passing attack.

Johnson presents so much complexity in his offensive schemes that opposing defenses are guaranteed to hesitate out of confusion week in and week out.

5. Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

There were so many good options for this fifth and final spot, but I ultimately chose Mike McDaniel. McDaniel is entering his third season with the Miami Dolphins and has led them to a successful 20-14 record with two playoff appearances in his first two years. He served as the offensive coordinator for the 49ers under Kyle Shanahan, so there are some similarities to the 49ers’ offense. Nevertheless, McDaniel has put his own spin on it by making everything faster.

The Dolphins used 11 personnel the most last year and threw the ball 75% of the time. McDaniel loves speed. His offense features players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Raheem Mostert, Jaylen Wright, Devon Achane, and Malik Washington, all of whom are among the fastest players in the NFL. It’s very similar to the 49ers’ offense, with a ton of pre-snap motion, wide zone runs, and play-action passes, combined with some deep balls. The Dolphins’ offense ranked third in points per game and second in yards per play, so it’s safe to say McDaniel has been very successful in South Beach.

Honorable Mentions:

Kevin O’Connell, Matt LaFleur, and Shane Steichen.