The West Coast offense is an offensive strategy in American football that emphasizes passing over running. It was created by Bill Walsh, who is credited with inventing the system as a quarterbacks coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. The West Coast offense is more of a philosophy and approach to the game than a set of plays or formations. It is characterized by a short, horizontal passing attack that helps stretch out the defense, opening up options for longer running plays and longer passes that can achieve greater gains. The offense features precisely run pass patterns by the receivers that make up about 65% to 80% of the offensive scheme. The system is based on rhythm and timing, and ball protection, with a passing attack based on short throws that have a smaller chance of homerun-type plays, resulting in higher completion percentages and fewer turnovers. The West Coast offense is still alive and is used in many football offenses today. Some of the key features of the West Coast offense are:
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Timing and route running: The West Coast offense is an innovative horizontal passing offense based on timing and route running.
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Short, horizontal passing attack: The offense emphasizes a short, horizontal passing attack to help stretch out the defense, opening up options for longer running plays and longer passes that can achieve greater gains.
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Precisely run pass patterns: The offense features precisely run pass patterns by the receivers that make up about 65% to 80% of the offensive scheme.
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Ball protection: With a passing attack based on short throws, there is a smaller chance of homerun-type plays. Consequently, higher completion percentages are expected and, with that, fewer turnovers.
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Use of running backs in the short passing game: The West Coast system utilizes running backs in the short passing game instead of using the run to set up the pass.
The West Coast offense is still used in many football offenses today and has one of the largest coaching trees in the NFL.
