TRENDSETTERS: How Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan and Sean Payton LEAD NFL Offensive Innovation

Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan set the gold standard for NFL offensive play callers, but which coaches are closing the gap? Joe Marino and Kyle Crabbs tier every offensive play caller, spotlighting an evolving landscape filled with new names and high-stakes battles for supremacy. With 19 first-year play callers and 10 coaching staff changes, the NFL’s offensive minds face a shake-up—can newcomers like Liam Cohen and Ben Johnson challenge established heavyweights? The hosts debate Andy Reid’s recent struggles despite Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, the creative yet sometimes chaotic approach of Mike McDaniel, and Klint Kubiak’s reputation for run-heavy schemes. Key topics include the importance of play design versus play calling, the challenges of blending new systems with quarterback talent, and which coordinators could emerge as future head coaches. Get expert insights on the coaches shaping the league’s next offensive evolution and which teams may see a breakthrough—or a breakdown—in 2026. Photo Credit:  Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. Square Get up to $200 off Square hardware when you sign up at https://square.com/go/lockedonnfl! #squarepod Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON. Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Ultra Pouches Don’t sleep on Ultra Pouches. New customers get 15% Off with code LOCKEDONNFL at https://takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Warby ParkerOur listeners can buy one pair of glasses and get 20% off any additional pairs at https://WarbyParker.com/LOCKEDONNFL — and using our link helps support the show. #WarbyParker #ad OdooGreat organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.