The Buffalo Bills emerged as one of the top offenses last year and it was a combination of a number of factors from the addition of Stefon Diggs to the development of Josh Allen. However, the play calling of Brian Daboll certainly can’t be overlooked when discussing the improvement.
Last year, the Bills offense finished second in yards per game (396.4), third in passing yards per game (288.8), and second in points scored per game (31.3). In three seasons with Daboll as offensive coordinator the Bills points per game average has nearly doubled from 16.8 in 2018 to over 30 points per game last year.
This is a remarkable improvement and Daboll is starting to earn more recognition for his ability to call a game on the offensive side of the ball. Pro Football Focus recently released their list of the best offensive play callers this upcoming season and the Bills offensive coordinator was second, behind only Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
"2. BRIAN DABOLL, BUFFALO BILLSJosh Allen’s emergence was one of the most fun storylines of the 2020 season, with the Bills generating the second-most points in football despite playing their home games in cold weather, and in a division with good defenses in Miami and New England. Stefon Diggs went from a really good wide receiver to a player who led the league in receiving yards, while mid-round UCF prospect Gabriel Davis added seven touchdowns from his WR4 spot. Daboll should be on the shortlist for head coaching positions next offseason if the Bills continue ascending in a crowded AFC."
The one thing that stands out when looking at this list is that among the Top 4, Daboll is the only coordinator. While LaFleur is ahead of him, the Bills offensive coordinator is ahead of Kansas City Cheifs’ head coach Andy Reid and Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach Jon Gruden.
This is probably one of the reasons that Daboll is considered a favorite for a head coaching position next offseason. After this past season, Brian Daboll did interview for a few openings, including the Los Angeles Chargers, but ultimately wasn’t selected for any.
The final two play callers on the list were Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Tampa Bay Bucs offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.
There is no question that the Buffalo Bills are likely going to be looking for a new offensive coordinator in the near future but they will benefit from at least one more year of Brian Daboll calling plays for Josh Allen and this offense.