Impact of head coaching changes on fantasy football
By - Fantasy Gas staff

Every year, changes occur that either light a fire under a player’s fantasy football production, or send his stats into a nosedive.  The most unsettling of the annual changes are usually head coaching revolving doors.  Because of the dramatic effect new blood can have at the helm, its important to have an idea of what to expect from a coaching philosophy standpoint as fantasy rosters are stocked. 

Seven NFL teams will have new head coaches entering the 2007 season.  Five of them were offensive coordinators at one time as assistant coaches and two have previous NFL head coaching experience.  Here’s a brief synopsis of the fantasy football impact these new head coaches may impart on their respective teams and players.


Arizona Cardinals – Ken Whisenhunt

Previously offensive coordinator for the Steelers (2004-06).  Likes a grind ‘em out, physical attack, but takes over an offense that didn’t have much of a power punch.  He favors a running game featuring two-back sets with a fullback blocking for the tailback – a deviation from single back sets used by the Cardinals.  Whisenhunt favors the use of the running game to open-up passing and is expected to feature a lot of Matt Leinart tosses to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin.  Edgerrin James will continue to be the workhorse.  Leinart is totally onboard with Whisenhunt’s philosophy.  Projected 2007 offense: 11th in rushing attempts; 14th in passing attempts – overall run oriented.


Atlanta Falcons – Bobby Petrino

Previously offensive coordinator for the Jaguars.  He favors an offensive philosophy that quarterbacks thrive in featuring a spread attack with the quarterback back in shotgun. It may be an incubator for Michael Vick production – if he doesn’t screw it up, that is.  Petrino likes to use three and four wide receiver sets and may tend to overlook tight end Alge Crumpler.  Running back production should take a hit.  Projected 2007 offense: 18th in rushing attempts; 22nd in passing attempts – overall run oriented mainly because of Vick’s scrambling.


Dallas Cowboys – Wade Phillips

Previously head coach of the Broncos (1993-94) and Bills (1998-00) with extensive experience as a defensive coordinator.  The ‘Boys should have a balanced attack with some upside for Tony Romo passing to Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn, Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton.  Projected 2007 offense: 13th in rushing attempts; 13th in passing attempts – overall balanced.


Miami Dolphins – Cam Cameron

Previously offensive coordinator for the Chargers.  Decidedly run oriented in San Diego (who wouldn’t be with L.T. in the backfield!) – his philosophy should be a boost for Ronnie Brown’s pigskin packing.  New tight end David Martin could see substantial balls thrown his way ala Antonio Gates in Diego.  Projected 2007 offense: 17th in rushing attempts; 21st in passing attempts – overall run oriented.


Oakland Raiders – Lane Kiffin

Only 32 years-old and previously offensive coordinator at USC.  ‘Tailback U.’ was a running back’s paradise.  It may be more like hell in Oakland with LaMont Jordan shouldering the load, behind a lousy offensive line, while Dominic Rhodes sits out a four-game suspension.  Rookie JaMarcus Russell is expected to be the triggerman – a scenario that may make trying to advance the ball on the ground even more of a priority.  Don’t expect any miracles this season.  Projected 2007 offense: 29th in rushing attempts; 32nd in passing attempts – overall just plain pathetic.


Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Tomlin

Previously defensive coordinator for the Vikings in 2006.  His offensive coordinator, Bruce Arians, favors three and four wide receiver sets and should open up Pittsburgh’s attack some to unleash Ben Roethlisberger with more opportunities to throw.  The Steelers, although still prone to power running, will spread the field much more often to increase the fantasy value of Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes.  Projected 2007 offense: 11th in rushing attempts; 16th in passing attempts – overall run oriented.


San Diego Chargers – Norv Turner

Previously head coach of the Redskins and Raiders.  As offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, he was highly touted as an innovator.  He has effectively adapted offensive schemes to fit personnel over the years.  During nine seasons as a head coach, his teams have averaged a ranking of 12th in passing attempts and 19th in rushing attempts – a balance that will shift with Tomlinson in the backfield.  Projected 2007 offense: 9th in rushing; 17th in passing attempts – overall run oriented.