New NFL Offensive Systems to watch in 2025
The 2025 NFL season is expected to bring significant offensive system changes across multiple franchises, with the most notable being Ben Johnson’s move from Detroit to Chicago. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of the new offensive systems that will define the upcoming season.
Chicago Bears – Ben Johnson’s Revolutionary Rebuild
The Philosophy: Player-First Design
Ben Johnson arrives in Chicago with a clear mandate: build around Caleb Williams. Johnson has explicitly stated he’s “ripping this thing down to the studs” and rebuilding the offense from the ground up, prioritizing players over scheme. This isn’t simply transplanting the Lions’ playbook to Chicago.
Core System Elements from Detroit Success
Johnson’s Lions offense ranked first in scoring (33.2 PPG) and second in total yards in 2024, featuring several key principles:
1. Motion and Misdirection
- Heavy use of pre-snap motion to create favorable matchups
- “Make the same things look different and different things look the same” philosophy
- Constant shifting formations to confuse defenses
2. Efficient Run Game Foundation
- Strong preference for outside zone concepts
- Running when defenses expect pass (2nd and long situations)
- Physical, downhill running style that sets up play-action
3. Timing-Based Passing Attack
- Extensive use of play-action off established run concepts
- Quick-game timing routes
- Red zone creativity with multiple receiver sets
Bears-Specific Adaptations
Johnson faces the challenge of adapting his system to different personnel than he had in Detroit:
Quarterback Transition: Caleb Williams brings different skills than Jared Goff – more mobility and arm talent but less experience with complex timing concepts.
Receiving Corps: DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Keenan Allen provide different skill sets than Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams combination.
Tight End Usage: Cole Kmet will need to fill a larger role in Johnson’s system, which heavily featured Sam LaPorta in Detroit.
Expected Implementation Timeline
Johnson’s system typically requires a significant amount of time to install fully. Bears fans should expect:
- Early Season: Simplified concepts focusing on Williams’ strengths
- Mid-Season: Increased complexity as timing develops
- Year 2: Full system implementation
Detroit Lions – John Morton’s Continuity Challenge
The New Leader
John Morton takes over as offensive coordinator after Ben Johnson’s departure, bringing experience from his work with Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos. Morton’s hiring represents Detroit’s attempt to maintain offensive continuity while adding his own innovations.
Morton’s Background and Style
Morton comes to Detroit with a reputation for:
- Quarterback Development: His work turning Bo Nix into a competent NFL quarterback in Denver
- Adaptability: Willingness to adjust schemes to personnel strengths
- Experience: Previous coordinator roles with multiple franchises
Staff Continuity Factors
The Lions have maintained several key offensive staff members:
- Hank Fraley remains as offensive line coach with added run game coordinator duties
- David Shaw joins as passing game coordinator, bringing Stanford’s pro-style concepts
- Core position coaches retained to maintain system knowledge
Expected System Evolution
Morton will likely maintain the foundation of Johnson’s success while adding his own elements:
Maintained Elements:
- Outside zone running concepts
- Heavy play-action usage
- Motion and formation shifts
Potential New Additions:
- More RPO concepts based on Morton’s recent experience
- Different red zone packages
- Adjusted timing routes to fit Jared Goff’s strengths
The Big Question
Can Morton maintain Detroit’s top-five offensive ranking while implementing his own concepts? The Lions finished 2024 as the league’s top scoring offense, making this one of the NFL’s most scrutinized coordinator transitions.
Seattle Seahawks – Post-Ryan Grubb Reset
The Situation
Seattle moved on from Ryan Grubb after just one season, indicating significant dissatisfaction with the 2024 offensive performance. This creates an opportunity for a complete system overhaul in 2025.
What Went Wrong in 2024
Grubb’s tenure was marked by:
- Inconsistent quarterback play from Geno Smith
- Underutilization of talented weapons like DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett
- Red zone struggles
- Lack of identity in crucial moments
What the New System Needs
Seattle’s next offensive coordinator must address several key areas:
Quarterback Optimization: Whether with Geno Smith or a new signal-caller, the system must maximize available talent while minimizing weaknesses.
Weapon Utilization: DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett remain elite talents who need a system that showcases their abilities.
Running Game Identity: Kenneth Walker III needs consistent opportunities in a system that complements the passing attack.
Potential Directions
Without knowing the specific hire, Seattle could go several directions:
- West Coast concepts to maximize short-to-intermediate passing
- Spread principles to create space for their talented receivers
- Power running base to establish physicality Pete Carroll preferred
Atlanta Falcons – Zac Robinson’s Continued Evolution
Building on 2024 Foundation
Zac Robinson continues his work in Atlanta, having survived the coaching transition and earned the opportunity to build on his initial system installation.
Key Focus Areas for 2025
Robinson’s system must address several critical elements:
Kyle Pitts Integration: The talented tight end needs increased involvement after underwhelming usage in recent seasons.
Quarterback Situation: Whether with Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr., or another option, Robinson must adapt his concepts to available talent.
Offensive Line Development: Continued improvement in pass protection to support deeper passing concepts.
System Characteristics
Robinson’s offense features:
- Multiple personnel groupings
- Emphasis on intermediate passing routes
- Creative use of tight end formations
- Balanced run-pass approach
League-Wide Implications
The Coordinator Carousel Impact
The significant movement of offensive coordinators creates ripple effects throughout the league:
Scheme Evolution: New ideas and concepts will spread as coordinators implement their systems.
Player Value Changes: Different systems create winners and losers among existing players.
Draft Implications: Teams will target prospects who fit their new offensive identities.
Key Storylines to Follow
1. Ben Johnson’s Bears Transformation The most-watched storyline will be Johnson’s ability to recreate Detroit’s offensive success with different personnel in Chicago.
2. Detroit’s Post-Johnson Identity Can John Morton maintain the Lions’ offensive excellence while establishing his own identity?
3. Seattle’s System Search How quickly can the Seahawks install and execute a new offensive system?
4. Atlanta’s Progression Will Zac Robinson’s continued tenure lead to improved offensive consistency?
Fantasy Football and Betting Implications
Players to Watch:
- Caleb Williams: Could break out significantly under Johnson’s tutelage
- DJ Moore: May see increased targets and better route concepts
- Jared Goff: Will his production maintain under Morton’s system?
- DK Metcalf/Tyler Lockett: New system could revitalize their fantasy value
Team Totals:
- Bears offensive over/unders may be undervalued given Johnson’s track record
- Lions may see regression from historic 2024 offensive numbers
- Seahawks present uncertainty that could create betting value
Conclusion: A Season of Offensive Evolution
The 2025 NFL season represents a significant moment of offensive evolution, with proven coordinators taking on new challenges and established systems facing major transitions. Ben Johnson’s move to Chicago headlines the changes, but the ripple effects throughout Detroit, Seattle, and Atlanta will create compelling storylines throughout the season.
Success will depend on how quickly these coordinators can install their systems, adapt to available personnel, and maintain the elements that made them attractive hires in the first place. For NFL fans, this creates must-watch football as these new systems develop
(Aspiring NFL Writer | Children’s Author | Chicago Bears Devotee in Chiefs Territory)