One of the most common questions among NFL fans is who actually calls the plays during a game. Is it the head coach pacing the sideline, or an assistant coach in the booth? The answer depends on the team, but across the NFL, there is a clear standard.
Who Calls Plays in the NFL?
In most NFL teams, play calling is handled by assistant coaches, specifically coordinators. However, some head coaches—especially those with offensive backgrounds—retain play-calling responsibilities.
Offensive Play Calling
- Most teams rely on the Offensive Coordinator (OC) to call plays
- The OC communicates plays to the quarterback via headset
- Responsibilities include:
- Designing the weekly game plan
- Calling plays in real time
- Making in-game adjustments
Defensive Play Calling
- Defensive play calling is almost always handled by the Defensive Coordinator (DC)
- The DC controls:
- Defensive formations
- Blitz packages
- Coverage schemes
- Situational calls (third down, red zone, two-minute defense)
When Do Head Coaches Call Plays?
Some head coaches choose to call plays themselves, most often on offense. This typically happens when the coach has a strong background as a play designer or quarterback developer.
Notable Head Coaches Who Call Offensive Plays
- Andy Reid
- Kyle Shanahan
- Sean McVay
- Mike McDaniel
These coaches often prefer full control over offensive tempo, personnel groupings, and quarterback decision-making.
Defensive Head Coaches and Play Calling
Defensive-minded head coaches generally delegate play calling but may stay heavily involved.
- Bill Belichick (historically influential in defensive calls)
- Mike Vrabel (situational input)
Why Most Teams Use Coordinators for Play Calling
Delegating play calling allows the head coach to focus on broader game management, including:
- Clock management
- Replay challenges
- Analytics decisions
- Personnel usage
- Sideline communication and leadership
This division of labor helps teams react faster and stay organized in high-pressure moments.
Modern NFL Play-Calling Trends
- Offensive head coaches are more likely to call their own plays
- Defensive head coaches usually delegate play calling
- Teams prioritize offensive continuity, especially for young quarterbacks
- Some coaches give up play calling mid-season to improve efficiency
Final Answer: Who Calls Plays in the NFL?
Most NFL teams rely on assistant coaches—offensive and defensive coordinators—to call plays. However, elite offensive head coaches often take direct control of play calling, especially on offense.
Understanding who calls plays helps explain coaching decisions, in-game adjustments, and even team success across the NFL season.