What Does a College Football Offensive Coordinator Really Do?
Whilst head coaches tend to grab the headlines and post-game interviews, much of a team’s on-field offensive success can be traced back to another critical figure, the college football offensive coordinator.
If you’re a UK sports fan starting to explore the world of college football, you might assume an offensive coordinator (“OC”) is just the person who calls plays. Whilst that is true to a point, their role is much more complex. In this article, I break down what a college football OC does, using real-life examples to help explain this central role in the sport.
Why the Role Matters
In American football, the team is split into offensive and defensive units. Each has its own coordinator responsible for managing and maximising performance. The offensive coordinator is effectively the mastermind of the team’s attacking game plan. Think of them as the architect of how the team scores points, be that through the air from throws or on the ground via rushing.
But they also manage everything from player development to tactical innovation, often operating as the strategic brain behind the action you see on Saturdays.
I mentioned last week that the Head Coach develops the overall identity of the team. The OC will then be responsible for building a strategy to achieve this identity.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe 6 Key Responsibilities of a College Football Offensive Coordinator
Here are the key responsibilities of a college football OC, along with some examples:
1. Play Calling and Game Planning
At the heart of the OC’s job is calling plays during games and developing an offensive strategy tailored to the strengths of the roster. This involves weeks of planning and opponent analysis as well as executing the offensive plan on the day.
Example – Will Stein (Oregon)
Still only 35 years old, Will Stein is building a great reputation for himself at Oregon. In 2022/23 he maximised Bo Nix’s skillset as the Ducks led the sport in passing with 346 yards per game.
2. Offensive Scheme Development
Coordinators spend countless hours reviewing film of opposing teams. They look for weaknesses to exploit and tendencies to counter, much like analysing a rival’s set-piece routines in UK football. As important, is maximising the talent from the group of players available across a whole season to ensure they develop as expected.
Example: Mike Denbrock (Notre Dame)
Praised for his meticulous game prep, Mike Denbrock has helped many teams create explosive game plans. His most recent work has centred around Notre Dame (through a couple of stints) and LSU.
Embed from Getty Images3. Quarterback Development
The OC often works directly with the quarterback, shaping their decision-making and mechanical skills. The QB is the engine of the offence and the OC is often their mentor. A great offensive plan is unlikely to succeed if the QB cannot execute what is required correctly.
Example: Jeff Lebby (now Mississippi State HC)
Jeff Lebby has a track record of developing QBs in previous OC roles at Ole Miss and Oklahoma. At Oklahoma he worked closely with Dillon Gabriel, improving some of his mechanics through two solid seasons with the Sooners. Gabriel then went on to lead the Ducks in 2024 before being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL.
4. Staff Collaboration and Supervision
This speaks to leadership. The OC often supervises position coaches, coordinates with the head coach, and works closely with analysts and assistants. The OC must ensure that all of these people are pulling in the same direction.
Example: Garrett Riley (Clemson)
As a former Broyles Award winner (at TCU), Garrett Riley has been praised not just for his play-calling but his ability to lead a cohesive offensive staff.
5. Adjusting In-Game
It’s not enough to prepare before kickoff. The best OCs adapt during the game, responding to what the defence is doing in real time.
Example: Sherrone Moore (Michigan Head Coach, formerly OC)
Now the head coach, but as OC, Sherrone Moore was excellent at mid-game tweaks, particularly noticeable in second-half performances vs top opponents.
Embed from Getty Images6. Recruiting Offensive Talent
In college football, coaches are recruiters as much as they are tacticians. The OC helps identify and secure talent that fits the offensive system. This is vital not only to secure players from high school but in today’s world to also convince top talent to join you in the portal.
Example: Brian Hartline (Ohio State)
Brian Hartline is known as one of the premier recruiters in college football. He has been instrumental in attracting top-tier talent to the Buckeyes, a number of which go on to become first-round NFL draft picks.
Transition from Offensive Coordinators to Head Coaches
Whilst the head coach sets the overall tone and handles the big-picture direction of the program, the OC is focused specifically on one side of the ball.
A head coach without a strong offensive background may rely heavily on the OC for scheme design and execution. You might hear commentators talk about a “head coach in waiting” and there is a history of successful OCs transition to the head coach role.
Embed from Getty ImagesFinal Thoughts
The offensive coordinator plays a vital role in shaping how a college football team performs on the field. They combine tactical acumen with mentorship, recruitment savvy, and adaptability. While they might not always be the face of the program, they are often its beating heart on Saturdays.
Whether you’re new to college football or a growing fan, understanding the OC’s role is important. The OC is also a fun figure to follow beyond the head coach or star quarterback.
Next week, I will dig into the mirror position, the defensive coordinator, who is vital to protect any lead that the offensive builds.
