In college football, strategy and execution can make or break a season. Recognizing the brilliance of play callers is crucial, though it’s easy to overlook.
This year, Air Force offensive coordinator Mike Thiessen has once again proven his mettle. He’s been honored with the 2025 Graphite Award for the second time.
This accolade, awarded by RII Sports Technology, celebrates the most efficient offensive and defensive play callers in each Division I football conference. Thiessen’s knack for maximizing his team’s potential with smart, data-driven decisions sets him apart as one of the best in the business.
The Importance of Play Calling Efficiency
Play calling efficiency isn’t just about picking the right plays. It’s about matching your team’s strengths against an opponent’s weaknesses—ideally, as often as possible.
RII Sports Technology’s Graphite Award quantifies this with the Play Calling Efficiency Ratio (PCER). This metric tracks how often a play caller puts their team in a good spot, while dodging disadvantageous scenarios.
The results are pretty striking. Teams operating from strength-on-weakness positions succeed 66% of the time, but only 39% when the tables are turned.
Mike Thiessen’s Achievements
Mike Thiessen, offensive coordinator for the Air Force Falcons, has been recognized for his exceptional play calling skills. This is the second time he’s taken home the Graphite Award, after also winning it in 2023.
Thiessen’s ability to squeeze the most out of his team’s strengths—while exploiting opponents’ weaknesses—has been a major factor in his success. His strategic mindset has led to efficient play calling and, honestly, it’s made a real difference for the Falcons on the field.
RII Sports Technology and the Graphite Award
RII Sports Technology, the group behind the Graphite Award, specializes in analyzing play-by-play data for every Division I FBS football program. Their focus? Finding the most efficient play callers who can get the absolute most out of their teams.
Tom Woods, RII Sports Technology’s founder, puts it simply: the award goes to coaches who don’t waste plays and are smart with their game plans. It’s about maximizing what you’ve got, not just running the same old script.
The Significance of the Graphite Award
The name “Graphite Award” is a nod to RII Sports Technology’s roots in the Aerospace & Defense industry. Graphite’s known for its low friction and high electrical conductivity—qualities that fit the award’s spirit of efficiency and precision.
The award shines a light on the importance of operating from strength-on-weakness positions. In college football, that’s often the difference between winning and losing.
2025 FBS Graphite Award Winners
The 2025 Graphite Award winners were announced for both offensive and defensive coordinators across various conferences. Here’s a look at some of the standouts:
Offensive Coordinators
- AAC: Jordan Davis, North Texas
- ACC: Shannon Dawson, Miami
- BIG10: Mike Shanahan, Indiana
- BIG12: Jason Beck, Utah
- CUSA: Tony Franklin, Louisiana Tech
- Independents: Gordon Sammis, UConn
- MAC: Robert Weiner, Toledo
- MWC: Mike Thiessen, Air Force
- PAC12: Ryan Gunderson, Oregon State
- SEC: Derrick Nix, Auburn
- Sun Belt: Rod Smith, Marshall
Defensive Coordinators
- AAC: Jordon Hankins, Memphis
- ACC: Randy Bates, Pittsburgh
- BIG10: Bryant Haines, Indiana
- BIG12: Sheil Wood, Texas Tech
- CUSA: Luke Olson, Louisiana Tech
- Independents: Chris Ash, Notre Dame
- MAC: Vince Kehres, Toledo
- MWC: Nick Benedetto, Fresno State
- PAC12: Jesse Bobbit, Washington State
- SEC: Jay Bateman, Texas A&M
- Sun Belt: Colin Hitschler, James Madison
The Impact of Efficient Play Calling
Efficient play calling? It’s more important than most folks realize. Last year, the average Division I football team only called about 40% of their plays from a strength-on-weakness position.
That leaves plenty of room to improve. Coaches like Mike Thiessen, who excel here, show that making the right call at the right time truly matters.
Using data-driven approaches, these coaches can make smarter decisions. And sometimes, that’s exactly what tips the game in your favor.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 season is just around the corner. Mike Thiessen and the other Graphite Award winners have really set the bar high for play calling efficiency.
Teams and coaches are likely eyeing these examples as they build their own game plans. The detailed 2025 Graphite Play Calling reports from RII Sports Technology are available on request, and honestly, they offer some pretty useful insights for anyone looking to sharpen up their efficiency.
If you’re curious about Mike Thiessen’s recognition or want to dig into the details of the Graphite Award, check out the official announcement.
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