Falcons appoint Tommy Rees as play caller for 2026 season
Rees, who previously served as offensive coordinator for the Browns, is expected to implement a balanced, West Coast-based attack with spread concepts under the Falcons’ new regime.
The Atlanta Falcons have appointed Tommy Rees as their offensive play caller for the 2026 NFL season, a move that solidifies the structural direction of the franchise under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Rees, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, will oversee the offensive scheme after calling plays for nine games in Cleveland last season. His appointment follows the hiring of legendary offensive line coach Bill Callahan, signalling a coordinated effort to stabilise the unit.
The Falcons are expected to implement a balanced, West Coast-based attack utilising spread concepts tailored to their personnel. Rees’ historical data suggests a disciplined approach to play selection; he recorded a 55.4 per cent pass rate in Cleveland, compared to 49.1 per cent at Alabama and 51.7 per cent at Notre Dame, where he served as head coach for four seasons. This balance is anticipated to maintain a versatile run game featuring Bijan Robinson while integrating play-action passing and quick throws off run-pass options.
Analysts project that the new system will significantly alter opportunity shares for key offensive players. Tight end Kyle Pitts, who recorded career lows in average depth of target and yards per catch last season, is expected to see an increased target share. While Pitts ran an out route on approximately one-third of his routes last season, the new coaching staff has indicated he will be asked to expand his route tree, potentially incorporating crossers to utilise his after-catch abilities.
Rookie receiver Zachariah Branch has drawn attention during organised team activities, with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa comparing his skill set to that of Miami Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle. Branch’s proficiency in catching screens and short out routes aligns with the anticipated quick-passing elements of Rees’ system. Meanwhile, established contributors Drake London and Bijan Robinson are expected to remain central to the offensive output.
The appointment of Rees is part of a broader trend across the league, with eighteen NFL teams introducing new play callers for the 2026 season. Many of these appointments involve former assistants of prominent coaches such as Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, and Ben Johnson. Previous new play callers, including Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears, have demonstrated significant impacts on their teams’ offensive production in their first seasons.
