The NFL offensive revolution reached its peak on November 29, 2018, during a Monday Night Football showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Rams. In a game that resembled a high-scoring arcade matchup, both teams combined for a whopping 105 points, with the Rams ultimately emerging victorious with a score of 54-51. This game showcased the explosive offensive capabilities of both teams and solidified the importance of offensive prowess in the modern NFL.
Following this historic game, the 2019 offseason saw a significant shift in the hiring of head coaches. Out of the eight head coach openings available, six of them were filled by candidates with offensive backgrounds. It was clear that teams were eager to replicate the success of the Chiefs and Rams, who had demonstrated the potential of dynamic and high-scoring offenses.
However, the recent hiring cycle for the 2024 season painted a different picture. With the Washington Commanders hiring Dan Quinn as their new head coach, it became evident that defensive-minded coaches were back in demand. Quinn might not have been the team’s first choice, but once offensive candidate Ben Johnson opted to stay with the Detroit Lions, the Commanders turned to defensive candidates.
Out of the eight head coaches hired following the 2023 season, only two offensive coordinators, Dave Canales and Brian Callahan, were appointed by the Carolina Panthers and Tennessee Titans, respectively. The remaining five openings were filled by defensive-minded coaches. This shift in hiring patterns suggests that the league is starting to recognize the value of defensive strategies and the need to counter the high-powered offenses prevalent in the NFL.
While offensive coordinators and the development of elite quarterbacks have long been coveted, the decline in offensive production has been impossible to ignore. Opposing defenses have become more adept at limiting big plays and stifling offenses. Even Patrick Mahomes, who had a breakout season in 2018, has seen a decline in deep completions since then. In the Chiefs’ recent Divisional Round victory against the Buffalo Bills, Mahomes only managed three deep completions, a feat he has accomplished only once since 2022.
This decline in offensive output can be attributed to several factors. The emergence of freakishly athletic pass rushers like Micah Parsons and Montez Sweat has made it increasingly difficult for quarterbacks to find open receivers. Additionally, defensive coaches have become more adept at devising schemes to disrupt opposing offenses. The Baltimore Ravens, for example, managed to hold the Chiefs to just six total first downs in the second half of the AFC title game, despite lacking an elite pass rusher. This defensive prowess has even earned Ravens’ defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald a head coaching position with the Seattle Seahawks.
While offensive coordinators will always be sought after, it is becoming evident that defensive coordinators and their ability to counter high-powered offenses are equally valuable. As points become more scarce and defenses continue to adapt, the coordinators on the defensive side of the ball are proving to be just as important as their offensive counterparts. The NFL’s offensive revolution may have reached its apex, but the league is now witnessing a renewed focus on defensive strategies and the importance of a balanced approach to the game.
