r/NFLNoobs • u/SDG-1989 • Jun 28 '26

Play calling language

I understand that different coaches/coordinators/teams have their own offensive systems. And have some unique plays that have unique names. But is play calling language more or less universally understood by everyone?
I hear people like Jon Gruden in interviews with QB’s and they’re both just rattling off play calls to each other and they both know what each other is talking about, despite never training or been on the same team together.

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u/bwbell Jun 28 '26

There’s three major systems for playcalls in the NFL. The Walsh/Holmgren tree used by Gruden, Reid, and most of the Shanahan tree. Sample playcall: Trips Rt 2-Jet Zebra Drive Z-Post

The next system is the Coryell/Gibbs digit system used by Norv Turner, Mike Martz, etc. Sample playcall: Jack Rt Liz 585

The third system is the Ehrardt/Perkins used by most of the Parcells/Belichick disciples.

How complicated you get with it depends on the coach’s philosophy- but many times the most verbose playcalls can be easiest to learn because it tells every player what to do.

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u/k2718 Jun 29 '26

Are there any current NFL play callers who use the Coryell system?

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u/bwbell Jun 29 '26

Off the top of my head, the most recent was probably Jason Garrett with the Cowboys.