Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over playcalling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton, leading to a dominant 44-22 victory over the Washington Commanders, with improved offensive output and key player performances, marking a strategic shift for the team.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has delegated playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Tommy Rees for the second consecutive season, trusting him to lead the offense, which ranks 30th in points per game, starting this Sunday against the Jets.
The Kansas City Chiefs, struggling at 0-2, are facing criticism for their poor offensive playcalling, especially in crucial moments like a questionable fourth-down decision against the Eagles. Fans and analysts believe that better playcalling from coach Andy Reid could help maximize Patrick Mahomes' talents and improve the team's performance.
Ohio State football coach Ryan Day will not be calling offensive plays for the 2024 season, with Bill O'Brien set to take over, although O'Brien's potential departure to Boston College remains uncertain. Day has contingency plans in place but expressed his reluctance to give up playcalling. O'Brien, overseeing a competitive quarterback room, is awaiting a decision from Boston College as Ohio State prepares for spring practice.
Brad Idzik, who previously coached wide receivers for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will join the Carolina Panthers as the offensive coordinator, but he won't be calling the plays. Instead, head coach Dave Canales will handle playcalling duties. Idzik, known for developing receivers, has a history with Canales from their time together in Seattle. The Panthers hope this coaching duo can improve their struggling offense, which finished last in the league in yards per game and scoring.
The New York Giants suffered a narrow 26-25 loss to the Rams due to a series of missteps in their final drive, including a botched two-point conversion, a questionable second-down play call, and a missed 54-yard field goal by Mason Crosby. The decisions made in the closing minute, particularly the conservative play-calling, have sparked discussions about potential changes in the team's approach for 2024. Despite some impressive plays, including an 80-yard touchdown pass and a 94-yard punt return, the Giants' inability to execute in critical moments continues to be a concern, as they move towards the end of a disappointing season.
ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky criticizes Penn State's playcalling and lack of trust in quarterback Drew Allar during their loss to Ohio State, stating that the team's reliance on a run-run-pass strategy makes the quarterback's job harder. Orlovsky also calls out a specific fourth-down play call as poor. Fans and another ESPN personality, Booger McFarland, agree with Orlovsky's assessment, highlighting the predictability of Penn State's playcalling and the need for more varied offensive strategies.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that he will be calling the defensive plays for the team in the upcoming season, taking over for former defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier who decided to take a year away from coaching. McDermott, who has never held playcalling responsibilities in his six-year tenure as a head coach, expressed confidence in his staff and said he would be open to adjusting if necessary. The Bills also have uncertainty at middle linebacker and safety positions, but have added former Los Angeles Rams safety Taylor Rapp to the team.