Air Raid Football: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering the System

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The Air Raid offense has revolutionized football by emphasizing a fast-paced, pass-heavy attack that puts constant pressure on defenses. Developed and popularized by coaches like Mike Leach, Hal Mumme, Sonny Dykes, and Tony Franklin, it originated in their tenures at universities such as Iowa Wesleyan, Valdosta State, and Kentucky, eventually spreading to the higher levels of football. The innovative system can now be seen influencing modern football at every level, from high school to the professional ranks.

This offensive strategy relies on spreading the field with multiple skill position players instead of a larger group, forcing defenses to counter with additional defensive backs to prevent mismatches. By doing so, the Air Raid offense takes advantage of mismatches created by slower linebackers tasked with covering these athletic receivers. Often characterized as “basketball on grass,” this fast-paced style of play has left a lasting impact on the game of football and continues to shape the future of offensive strategy.

Origins of Air Raid Football

Hal Mumme and Mike Leach

The Air Raid offense can be traced back to coaches Hal Mumme and Mike Leach. These two innovative minds collaborated to popularize an offensive scheme that would revolutionize football at various levels. The Air Raid offense emphasizes passing, spreading the field, and simplifying the playbook, which leads to high-scoring games and challenges traditional defensive strategies.

Iowa Wesleyan University

The roots of the Air Raid offense first emerged during Mumme and Leach’s tenure at Iowa Wesleyan University. Working together as coaches, they devised a fast-paced, pass-heavy game plan that allowed their relatively small team to compete against bigger programs. Their innovative approach quickly caught the attention of other coaches and programs.

Valdosta State

After their success at Iowa Wesleyan, Mumme and Leach took their Air Raid offense to Valdosta State, where they continued to refine and perfect the system. The duo’s impact on the football program was immediate, leading to successful seasons and drawing even more attention to the offensive scheme they had developed.

Texas Tech

Mike Leach eventually parted ways with Mumme and became the head coach at Texas Tech. There, he implemented the Air Raid offense, which resulted in record-breaking offensive statistics and significant team success. The offense produced iconic plays like the 2008 touchdown pass from Graham Harrell to Michael Crabtree, which led the Leach-coached Texas Tech team to a remarkable victory. Leach’s success at Texas Tech solidified the Air Raid offense’s place in the football history books and continued to impact the sport at every level.

Basic Principles and Concepts

Offensive Schemes

The Air Raid offense is a pass-heavy scheme, often used in college football, but also seen in the NFL. Its primary aim is to create mismatches through the use of multiple wide receivers and to distribute the ball by finding “open grass” on the field. The offense is characterized by its simplicity, making it easier for players to execute and adapt to various defensive alignments

One key aspect of the Air Raid offense is its rapid tempo. This no-huddle approach often keeps the defense on its heels, allowing offenses to exploit weaknesses in coverage. Additionally, the Air Raid offense often relies on quarterbacks audibling at the line of scrimmage, based on defensive alignment, further increasing its adaptability.

Key Passing Concepts

There are a few central passing concepts in the Air Raid offense, aiming to get the ball to athletes in space, allowing them to make plays:

  • Mesh concept: This concept involves multiple crossing routes, creating “rub” or pick situations against man coverage. Inside receivers create horizontal stretches, while outside receivers focus on vertical routes.
  • Stick concept: A classic Air Raid staple, the stick concept combines an outside receiver running a short route (a hitch or out), with an inside receiver running a quick vertical route (typically breaking around 5-6 yards). This play puts pressure on the defense to choose between covering the flat or the stick route.
  • Zone-beating concepts: Air Raid offenses often incorporate elements of zone-beating plays like “X” and “Z” concepts to attack specific portions of the field. These concepts exploit gaps in zone coverages, giving the quarterback simplified reads and opportunities to complete short, quick passes.

Offensive Line Protection

In the Air Raid offense, offensive line play is crucial in maintaining a clean pocket for the quarterback. Linemen need to be quick and agile, but also able to handle defensive line shifts, stunts, and blitzes. Pass protection schemes can be varied, including both man and zone blocking techniques.

It’s important for the offensive line to understand each defender’s role as well as their own. Quick communication and recognition of defensive movements are key for the offense to remain efficient and successful in picking up various defensive pressures.

Overall, the Air Raid offense thrives on simplicity in its principles and concepts, allowing players to quickly adapt and execute against the defense. The offensive schemes, key passing concepts, and offensive line protection all work in harmony to create a potent and adaptable passing attack.

Notable Air Raid Coaches

Lincoln Riley


Lincoln Riley is a prominent Air Raid coach who has gained significant attention for his offensive prowess. After spending several years under the mentorship of fellow Air Raid coaches Mike Leach and Dana Holgorsen, Riley became the offensive coordinator at the University of Oklahoma in 2015. In his time at Oklahoma, Riley has been known for his ability to develop high-powered quarterbacks, including Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray, who both went on to become first overall NFL draft picks. He was named head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners in 2017. His offenses have consistently ranked among the nation’s elite in several categories.

Josh Heupel

Josh Heupel, a former quarterback, and now head coach of the University of Tennessee has also made a name for himself in the Air Raid coaching ranks. Heupel rose to prominence as an offensive coordinator under legendary coach Bob Stoops at the University of Oklahoma. Later, he served as the head coach at the University of Central Florida in 2018 and 2019. In his time at UCF, Heupel’s up-tempo, pass-heavy offense led the team to impressive offensive statistics and success. Heupel’s utilization of the Air Raid scheme has earned him praise and recognition as a skilled offensive mind.

Kliff Kingsbury

Kliff Kingsbury is another Air Raid disciple who has applied the philosophy successfully at various levels of football. Kingsbury started his coaching career with Mike Leach at Texas Tech, which prepared him for his future positions as Texas A&M offensive coordinator, Texas Tech head coach, and ultimately, the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. Kingsbury’s Air Raid offenses are known for their fast tempo, quick decision-making, and versatile passing attacks. His development of quarterbacks, such as Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray, has been well-documented and lauded.

Dana Holgorsen


Dana Holgorsen, currently the head coach at the University of Houston, has been an influential figure in the Air Raid community for many years. After working with Mike Leach at Texas Tech and helping to develop the Air Raid scheme, Holgorsen became the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma State and later the head coach at West Virginia University. Holgorsen’s Air Raid offenses have been consistently high-scoring and successful, featuring an emphasis on quarterback development and a variety of creative passing concepts. The success of his teams has only further solidified the reputation of the Air Raid offense within the football world.

Adoption in College Football

Oklahoma

At Oklahoma, the air raid offense gained popularity under head coach Mike Leach. This offensive scheme focused on utilizing a large number of wide receivers and emphasized short passes from the shotgun formation. As a result, Oklahoma’s offense often showcased their players’ catching abilities and skill in executing quick plays.

Kentucky

In the SEC, the air raid offense found its way into the University of Kentucky’s playbook. Coaches Hal Mumme and Tony Franklin adapted the scheme to suit the strengths of their players and the competitive landscape within the conference. Kentucky used slant routes and short, quick passes to exploit defenses and create opportunities for the wide receivers to showcase their skills.

Houston

The air raid offense also made a significant impact at the University of Houston. The coaching staff adopted the offensive scheme and adapted it to their personnel, focusing on their strengths in the wide receiver position. The Houston Cougars became known for their quick and efficient offensive style, often making use of short passes and spreading the field with wide receivers, which contributed to their success in the FBS.

Baylor

Baylor University adopted the air raid offense as well, emphasizing its high-scoring and fast-paced nature. The Bears’ coaching staff implemented the scheme in a way that highlighted their wide receivers’ athleticism and ability to make plays after the catch. Baylor’s offensive success in recent years can be attributed in part to the adoption of the air raid offense and its effective implementation.

Texas A&M

Texas A&M, another prominent collegiate football program, embraced the air raid offense and the benefits it provides to teams with talented wide receivers. This fast-paced scheme focuses on spreading the defense and creating mismatches, which often leads to explosive plays. Texas A&M’s implementation of this offense showcases the adaptability of the air raid in different collegiate football environments.

In summary, the air raid offense has been adopted and effectively implemented across various college football programs, including Oklahoma, Kentucky, Houston, Baylor, and Texas A&M. The scheme’s ability to showcase wide receivers’ skills and create opportunities through short passes and quick plays has made it a popular choice among coaching staffs seeking a high-scoring and exciting style of play.

Influence on the NFL

The Air Raid offense has had a significant impact on the NFL, as it has infiltrated the league and changed the way teams approach offensive strategy. This high-octane, pass-heavy system focuses on spreading the field to exploit gaps in defenses, making it difficult for opponents to cover all areas effectively.

Wide receivers have become crucial in the Air Raid offense, as they often operate in a spread formation, forcing the defense to match up in man-to-man coverage. This setup creates favorable one-on-one matchups for receivers, allowing them to showcase their athleticism and playmaking abilities.

Running backs in the Air Raid system must possess versatility. They not only carry the ball but are also heavily involved in the passing game, often running routes as wide receivers. This dual-threat capacity puts additional pressure on the defense to account for both the run and the pass.

Offensive linemen play a vital role in ensuring the success of the Air Raid offense. They are responsible for protecting the quarterback and providing ample time for him to survey the field and find open receivers. Quick and nimble linemen, capable of engaging in pass protection for an extended duration, are invaluable in this scheme.

Audibles also play a crucial role in the Air Raid system. Quarterbacks must be able to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage to exploit any potential weaknesses. This requires a high football IQ and strong communication skills between the quarterback and his teammates.

The NFL has seen a rise in teams embracing the Air Raid offense, with players like Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield leading the charge. As the popularity of this scheme continues to grow, it is clear that the Air Raid revolution has left its mark on the league, redefining the role of key positions and changing the way offense is approached in professional football.

National Air Raid Convention

The National Air Raid Convention is an annual event focusing on the Air Raid offensive system in football. It features renowned coaches and experts discussing various topics, including passing concepts, playbooks, and strategies for implementing the Air Raid system. The convention is an opportunity for coaches and enthusiasts to network, share ideas, and learn from the best in the industry.

Matt Mumme

Matt Mumme, son of air raid pioneer Hal Mumme, is one of the featured speakers at the National Air Raid Convention. As the offensive coordinator at Colorado State, Matt is known for his innovative approach to play calling in the Air Raid offense. With an emphasis on passing concepts such as the hitch and quick screens, Matt has found success at both the college and high school levels.

Coach Coltharp

Another notable speaker at the convention is Coach Coltharp, an expert in offensive schemes and the creator of the American Football Leaders League (AFFL). Coach Coltharp’s presentations cover a wide range of topics, from route combinations to film analysis. His knowledge and experience serve as valuable resources for attendees looking to improve their teams’ performance on the field.

Attendance

Each year, the National Air Raid Convention attracts coaches from various levels of football, including high school, college, and professional leagues. The event offers a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from experienced coaches, participate in workshops, and access valuable resources, such as videos and playbooks, which they can then implement into their own teams.

Playbooks

An essential component of the National Air Raid Convention is the in-depth discussion of playbooks and play designs. As the Air Raid system relies heavily on a precision passing game, the convention provides insights into various passing concepts and adjustments, allowing coaches to better understand and implement these proven strategies. Building a successful playbook is key to executing an effective Air Raid offense, and the convention serves as the perfect platform for coaches to hone their skills.

Through the sharing of knowledge, strategies, and resources, the National Air Raid Convention offers invaluable opportunities for football coaches and enthusiasts to develop their understanding of this exciting offensive system.