The Top 10 Greatest Offensive Coordinators in NFL History (2024)

The brilliance of offensive coordinators often becomes the driving force behind the most electrifying and successful offenses. These architects of the gridiron have the unique ability to meld individual talents into a cohesive, unstoppable force, masterfully calling plays that outmaneuver even the most daunting defenses.

Their innovations have not only shattered records but have also introduced new dimensions to offensive gameplay, inspiring future generations. The greatest offensive coordinators in history have left an indelible legacy, transforming their teams into offensive juggernauts, reshaping the landscape of the National Football League.

1. Bill Walsh - San Francisco 49ers (1979-1988)

The late Bill Walsh is considered one of the all-time quarterback whisperers in league history. As an Offensive Coordinator and then Head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, he completely transformed an offensive game with his groundbreaking West Coast Offense.

Before coming to the 49ers, Walsh had a long coaching career as an assistant at numerous college programs and with the Cincinnati Bengals. The West Coast Offense system emphasized an almost horizontal passing game that often set up the run, an enigma to downhill smash-mouth running teams, which were in the majority during those years.

2. Norv Turner - Dallas Cowboys (1991-93), San Francisco 49ers (2009)

Norv Turner is a two-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest offensive coordinators to ever put on headsets in NFL history. He was the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys 1991-93 and the San Francisco 49ers 2006-10.

Before he made his mark in the NFL, Turner had a successful career as a college coach, including stints as offensive coordinator at USC and the University of Pittsburgh. He served as the offensive coordinator of the Cowboys when they won back-to-back titles in 1992 and '93 with quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith, and wide receiver Michael Irvin.

Turner's offenses routinely featured a balanced attack based around a strong running game and an efficient West Coast-style passing offense. However, his flexibility in tailoring schemes to the talents of his players was one of the things that made him so successful.

3. Ernie Zampese - Los Angeles Rams (1983-1990), Dallas Cowboys (1994-97)

Ernie Zampese is the godfather of passing-game innovation in the NFL. Zampese was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams (1983-90) and Dallas Cowboys (1994-97), with his offenses perennially among the NFL's best.

Hisfirst coaching experience came at the college level, where he quickly earned a reputation for his modern passing attacks. A few years later, we walked into the NFL with that same pass-happy approach in 1983 when he joined the Rams and worked with quarterbacks like Vince Ferragamo or Jim Everett.

Zampese left the Rams and went to Dallas, where he was on the staff of two Cowboys teams that won Super Bowls in 1994 & 1995.

4. Sid Gillman - Los Angeles Rams (1955-1959), San Diego Chargers (1960-69)

Gillman's offenses were known for their deep vertical passing attack, frequent use of the shotgun formation, and ability to spread out receivers' routes to create so-called "mismatches" against opposing defenders. He was a wizard at game planning and caused confusion by scheming to the other team's weaknesses.

Gillman led the Chargers to lead all AFL and, later, AFC teams in passing for many years over his career. With them, they also topped everyone else in final standings five times, once tied, and once were league leaders several more times, beaten by Art Powell's New York Titans team at one point. He coached Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts on his path to one of the greatest in NFL history.

5. Mike Martz St. Louis Rams (2000-03), Detroit Lions (2006-07)

Mike Martz gained fame as the offensive coordinator of those St. Louis Rams teams, part of "The Greatest Show on Turf" from 2000 to '03. It also happened during a time in football when Martz's offenses were some of the most explosive and out-of-the-box that existed at all levels on Sundays.

Martz's offenses were known for their pass-first approach, complicated vertical passing game, and ability to turn any running back into an all-purpose threat. Thanks to his complex play-calling and preparation, he was an expert at creating mismatches and exposing defenses.

6. Cam Cameron - San Diego Chargers (2002-2006) Baltimore Ravens (2008-2012)

Few offensive coordinators in the NFL have left a more indelible mark on league history than Cam Cameron. He was the offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers from 2002 to 2006 and the Baltimore Ravens from 2008 to 2012.

Before getting the NFL nod, Cameron had a long college coaching career, having once been head coach at Indiana University and offensive coordinator at Michigan. Arians went on to direct Rivers as his offensive coordinator with the Chargers, a stretch during which he developed into one of the most prolific passers in NFL history and maintained that form throughout their time together.

7. Tom Moore - Pittsburgh Steelers (1983-89; 2007-11) Indianapolis Colts (1998-2010)

Tom Moore is one of the most respected offensive coordinators to roam an NFL sideline in nearly four decades. He was an NFL offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983-89 and 2007-11, holding that position with the Indianapolis Colts from 1998 to 2010.

Moore began his coaching career at the collegiate level, where he quickly built a name for himself as an offensive innovator and player developer. He took his pass-heavy philosophy to the NFL when he joined the Steelers in 1983, working with Terry Bradshaw and Mark Malone.

Moore later joined the Colts, where he went on to guide them to a Super Bowl victory in 2006 after leaving Pittsburgh. In Moore's work with quarterback Peyton Manning, the offense still found success. What drove this point home even more was that he had the intelligence to develop his schemes around what his players did well.

8. Marty Schottenheimer Cleveland Browns, (1984-1988), Kansas City Chiefs (1989-1998)

Marty Schottenheimer has had a large role in shaping the NFL during his timewith the Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs. Longwell worked as the Browns' offensive coordinator from 1984 to 88 and for the Chiefs from 89 to 98.

Scottenheimer's offenses featured a balanced attack with a strong running game and the timing and precision passing of today's West Coast offense. Among the things he did best was his game planning, adjusting, and fitting schemes to what his players did well. He assisted the Chiefs to a string of playoff appearances during his time with Kansas City, including an appearance in the Super Bowl in 1993.

9. Mike Holmgren - San Francisco 49ers (1986-1991), Green Bay Packers (1995-1998)

Mike Holmgren is one of the most respected offensive coordinators and head coaches in NFL history. He was the offensive coordinator of a San Francisco 49ers team that won Super Bowls XXIII and XXIV.

Holmgren moved on from the 49ers to become head coach of the Packers, where he immediately continued his success as an offensive mind. He had led the team to a Super Bowl championship in 1996 and helped turn quarterback Brett Favre into an all-time great.

10. Bud Wilkinson St. Louis Cardinals (1966-68)

Bud Wilkinson is a college football Hall of Famer but was also an offensive coordinator for one NFL team. 1966-68, he held that position with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Wilkinson brought his unusual offensive stratagems when he joined the Cardinals in 1966. His balanced offenses were built around a powerful rushing attack and quick-striking West Coast-style passing game. When it came to game planning and adapting his schemes to the strengths of his players, he was a master.

Wilkinson's Cardinals offenses were among the best in football. Under his guidance, St. Louis topped the NFL in passing yards during the 1967 season. He aided in the maturation of quarterback Charley Johnson, turning him into a Pro Bowl-caliber player, and worked with an exceptionally gifted group on offense.