Cause and Effect
The top 5 offensive coordinator changes for 2008

Jared Smith
August 3, 2008
FantasyInsiderS.com

A well known overlooked fact in fantasy football is ignoring coaching changes that should directly affect the
play of certain players. As of the date of this article, there have been eleven offensive coordinator changes
in the NFL and four head coaching changes. In short, one third of the NFL teams could potentially run a
different offense in 2008 then the previous year.

We've narrowed the field a bit and provided you with our top five offensive coordinator changes and the
potential impact they'll have for your fantasy team in 2008.

Chan Gailey, Kansas City offensive coordinator:
Chan was the Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator in 2000 and 2001. Prior to that he was on the
Pittsburgh Steeler staff and offensive coordinator in 1997 when the Steelers ranked #1 in rushing yards.
Gailey has had success in several places he's worked in the pro and college ranks. We expect improved
play from the running game continuing the philosophy of head coach Herman Edwards. Fantasy Impact:
He should improve the stats of running back Larry Johnson in 2008.

Mike Martz, San Francisco offensive coordinator:
Anyone who's played fantasy football for the last 10 years or so should be very familiar with Mike Martz
and his offensive philosophy. Pass, pass and more passing! However, depending on the personnel,
sometimes it takes a few years for players to fully grasp his schemes. With his new position in San
Francisco he's been asked to reignite or begin the career of quarterback Alex Smith and the rest of the San
Fran offense. Alex is a smart kid who should grasp this system quickly. Fantasy Impact: We don't expect
much in 2008 from the passing game but should see an immediate impact with running back Frank
Gore as he should be utilized more with receptions out of the backfield.

Al Saunders, St. Louis offensive coordinator:
Saunders is an offensive machine that should explode the St. Louis offense in 2008. He's notorious for
having a complex and lengthy playbook (estimated at 700 pages) and running a style of offense St. Louis
has employed in the past. With the offensive weapons available to him on the Ram's and a strong
quarterback, the skies the limit in 2008. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is the most productive offense
in the NFL this season. Fantasy Impact: Expect immediate dividends and increased production from
Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, Tory Holt and Randy McMichael.

Mike Mularkey, Atlanta offensive coordinator:
Expect Mularkey to run an offense similar to the offense he ran in Pittsburgh. Run first, play physical at
the line and control the ball. This style should fit nicely into the Falcon's personnel for 2008 with a rookie
starting quarterback and physical running back in Michael Turner. Fantasy Impact: Should RB Michael
Turner stay healthy all season you can expect him to be the workhorse of this offense while QB
Matt Ryan learns the in's and out's of an NFL offense.

Cam Cameron, Baltimore offensive coordinator:
Cam broke into the NFL in 1994 as the Washington Redskins QB coach. He guided Gus Frerotte to a pro-
bowl in 1997. He is notorious for developing young quarterback talent. Also see Trent Green, Drew Brees,
Philip Rivers and Antwaan Randle El (while head coach at Indiana University). Cameron is innovative and
has the ability to increase production from average players. However, he runs a complex offense that could
take 2-3 years to fully implement. From a philosophical standpoint you should expect the same run first
approach Baltimore has employed before he begins opening up the offense and stretching the field.
Fantasy Impact: Although you can expect a slight increased production from the quarterback
position, it should still be considered minimal for 2008.