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Flexbone formation
Flexbone formation
Flexbone formation
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The flexbone formations contains two slotbacks (SB), two wide receivers (WR) or one receiver and one tight end (TE) or two tight ends, a quarterback (QB), a fullback (FB), and five down linemen (OL).

The flexbone formation is an offensive formation in American football that includes a quarterback, five offensive linemen, three running backs, and varying numbers of tight ends and wide receivers. The flexbone formation is derived from the wishbone formation and features a quarterback under center with a fullback lined up directly behind the quarterback. There are two smaller running backs called slotbacks aligned behind the line of scrimmage on each side of the offensive line. The slotbacks are sometimes incorrectly referred to as wingbacks. But in order to be a wingback, there must be a guard, tackle and tight end all on one side of the center on the line of scrimmage and then the wingback off the line of scrimmage (as featured in the unbalanced formation diagram).

Triple option

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An unbalanced flexbone formation with a slotback (SB), wingback (WB), wide receiver (WR), tight end (TE), quarterback (QB), fullback (FB), and five down linemen (OL).

The basic play run from the flexbone is known as a triple option, or veer. Often the quarterback first sends one of the slotbacks in motion to the other side. While he is still in motion behind the fullback, the quarterback then receives the ball from the center. Next, the fullback (FB) either takes the football from the quarterback or 'fakes' that he has taken the football. If the fullback takes the football, then he runs straight into the line of scrimmage and attempts to gain yardage. If the fullback does not take the football, then the quarterback sprints parallel to the line of scrimmage with the motion slotback trailing him. The quarterback can either turn upfield or pitch the football to the trailing slotback. Hence the term triple because the fullback is option number one, the quarterback keeping the ball is option number two, and the quarterback pitching to the slotback is option number three. The triple option forces defenses to worry about fullbacks running in the middle of the offensive line and to worry about quarterbacks and slotbacks running to the outside of the line. The decision of who is to carry the ball (which option to make) can either be made before the play in the huddle, or during the play by the QB, who will make decisions based on the position and play of certain defensive players and what they are doing. The quarterback reads the defensive end on the side the play is going to when deciding whether to hand to the fullback or to keep it himself. If he sees the end is committed to stopping the fullback in the middle, the QB will keep it. If the end is staying back to contain the QB on the outside, he will give it to the fullback. If the quarterback does not hand to the FB, he will then read the end to see if he is committed to playing the SB on the pitch or the QB. If he is playing the QB, then he will pitch it to the slotback. If the end is committed to stopping the slotback on the pitch, the QB will take the ball upfield himself.

Purpose

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Arguably, the two most difficult positions on offense to develop quickly are wide receivers and quarterbacks. A style of play was needed for teams that could not field strong throwing quarterbacks. In the flexbone formation, intelligent and athletic personnel can adapt to playing a quarterback's position without having to throw the ball very well. Flexbone teams are often playing against more talented teams so they must use time management and trickery of the flexbone to even the playing field. By running the ball almost exclusively, a flexbone offense also runs the game clock and limits the opposing teams’ possibly faster and stronger offense from scoring against their own defense.

Another key consideration is that the flexbone formation gives the offense four potential vertical receiving threats at the snap: the two wide receivers and the two slotbacks. This is something that alternative formations such as the I-formation or the traditional wishbone cannot achieve without pre-snap motion that tips the offense's hand. This advantage allows the four-verticals play, a deadly weapon against Cover 3, a common defensive coverage used by the eight-man fronts that a strong running team is likely to face.

Since this offense is primarily used by service academies (Air Force, Army, Navy and The Citadel), it helps alleviate the inherent unbalance related to recruiting and being unable to recruit the type of talent that a larger school like Oklahoma or Alabama might be able to. The Flexbone allows for QBs who may be shorter or smaller than ideal (5'10 - 6'2 and weighing around 185-205 pounds) to be able to start because they often have a speed advantage despite not being able to throw the ball as well.

As a result of the misdirection and the size of the outside WRs (usually 6'2 or taller and over 200 pounds) to help block, the slotbacks can be similarly sized to the QB. This allows for the Flexbone to have three players who can run fast (with SBs also helping serve as receivers or lead blockers) while the FB can be a more traditional HB size of 220-235 pounds.

Requirements to succeed

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  • The offense needs an intelligent and fast quarterback who isn't afraid to take a hit, a strong fullback, and two quick slotbacks. The quarterback must be able to read a run defense in order to exploit the holes. His read will determine how to develop an option play. Good flexbone quarterbacks are capable of manipulating overpursuing defenses.
  • The fullback must be strong enough to break tackles and draw the attention of linebackers and defensive linemen. Good flexbone fullbacks are usually the best ball carriers on the team and receive the majority of rushing attempts. A flexbone fullback is usually smaller and faster than a typical fullback seen in conventional offenses.
  • The slotbacks must be balanced athletically, capable of trailing the quarterback, and good receivers. If the slotbacks are not of equal talent, then a defense can predict which direction the play will develop. Slotbacks typically need to be capable pass receivers because they receive a great deal of high velocity pitches and are primary receivers during passing plays.
  • The offensive line is smaller and lighter than offensive lines in traditional offenses. This is because linemen must be quick enough to get to linebackers and safeties. They also need to be strong enough to block the defensive line, although teams usually utilize double and combo blocking schemes to overcome the disadvantage in size.
  • Wide receivers must be avid open field blockers. They are usually asked to block cornerbacks who are generally the fastest and quickest players on the opponent's defense. Wide receivers aren't at the highest priority in flexbone team's recruitment since they aren't after the greatest wide-outs in the market. However, flexbone receivers do need sure hands. As a run-heavy offense, flexbone can create a great deal of havoc amongst defenses if - along with strong run game - it can establish even the simplest passing attack with sure-handed receivers.

Use of the flexbone formation

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The Air Force Falcons in the flexbone formation against Michigan in 2012

In Division I Championship Subdivision football, Georgia Southern pioneered a version of the flexbone that won a record six NCAA Championship Subdivision National Titles and nine Southern Conference titles. Through the 2007 season, the United States Air Force Academy (Air Force) and the United States Naval Academy (Navy) were the last major remnants of flexbone football in FBS football and testaments to the formation's ability to use key offensive players effectively when a team has significantly less talent on the field. But with the hiring of former Navy head coach Paul Johnson (who also coached at Georgia Southern) in 2008, Georgia Tech became the first BCS conference school in approximately two decades to use a flexbone offense. In Johnson's first year at Georgia Tech, the Yellow Jackets shared the ACC Coastal Division title with Virginia Tech. In 2009, the Jackets beat Clemson in the ACC Championship game to get to the Capital One Orange Bowl. In 2014, Army hired Jeff Monken, who coached under Johnson, to run the flexbone in hopes of resurrecting the program as he'd done at Georgia Southern in 2010. In 2016 and just his 3rd season, Monken lead the Black Knights to an 8 win season and victory over Navy for the first time in 15 straight tries. In 2017, Army won 10 games including a back-to-back win over Navy, both of which hadn't happened since 1996. In the late 1980s, the University of Arkansas ran a version of the flexbone under coach Ken Hatfield and won two consecutive Southwest Conference titles.

Schools at the FCS (formerly I-AA) level that currently run the Flexbone include Wofford, The Citadel, and more recently the upstart program of the Kennesaw State Owls coached by Brian Bohannon who in 2017 lead the Owls to a 12–2 record and appearance in FCS playoffs in only the 3rd year of the program's existence. The Harding University Bisons, competing in the Great American Conference (GAC) of NCAA Division II, under coach Paul Simmons, ran a version of the flex-bone in its undefeated 2023 season. Harding won the Division II national championship in 2023, while also setting the all-time NCAA record in rushing yards for a season—for all divisions—with over 6,000. In the national championship game, Harding beat the Colorado School of Mines Orediggers 38–7, while compiling over 500 rushing yards in the game.[1]

The flexbone offense is also popular at the high school football level.

Famous Flexbone coaches

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Flexbone formation.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Flexbone formation

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Flexbone formation is an offensive alignment in derived from the wishbone offense, featuring a under , a fullback directly behind, two slotbacks aligned approximately one yard behind the offensive tackles, five offensive linemen with splits of three or more feet, and typically one or two wide receivers split 12 yards wide (or eight yards if on the hash mark). This run-heavy system emphasizes plays and misdirection to confuse defenses. Developed as an evolution of the wishbone triple option introduced by coach in 1968, the Flexbone gained its name from a comment by Air Force Academy head coach , who described it as providing "flexibility" over the traditional bone structure. It blends inside veer schemes with outside options and passing elements to control the ball and sustain drives. It has been notably employed by service academies like the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy, and U.S. Air Force Academy, and continues to be used by and as of 2025. Coach Paul Johnson, often called the "Godfather" of the modern Flexbone, popularized it at (as an assistant coach contributing to national championships in 1985 and 1986, and as head coach winning national championships in 1999 and 2000), the Naval Academy, and , leading the Yellow Jackets to an title in 2009—the last for a power conference team using the system. More recently, adapted it to win the 2023 national championship.

Introduction

Definition and Basics

The Flexbone formation is an offensive scheme in characterized as a triple-option run offense that prioritizes ground control and defensive exploitation through structured option decisions. It features a positioned under , a fullback aligned directly behind the , and two slotbacks—known as A-backs—positioned wide in the backfield, typically at a depth matching the and offset outside the tackles. The formation's name derives from the "flex" alignment of these A-backs, who can motion or adjust their positioning to create versatility in plays while maintaining a compact backfield structure. In a standard visual setup, the offensive line consists of five players: a , two guards, and two tackles, with the quarterback taking a direct snap from under . The fullback, or B-back, lines up immediately behind the quarterback for inside runs or blocking duties, while the A-backs flank the formation at about 45-degree angles, roughly two yards behind and four yards outside the tackles, enhancing misdirection potential. On the edges, a typically aligns on the strong side next to a tackle, and a split end () positions on the weak side to stretch the defense horizontally, completing the 11-player alignment that emphasizes backfield congestion over spread elements. The Flexbone's run-heavy philosophy centers on misdirection and quarterback option reads to force defensive errors, allowing the offense to attack without blocking at least two play-side defenders. By presenting multiple threats—such as the fullback dive, quarterback keep, or pitch to an A-back—the formation creates numerical advantages, often reading unblocked defenders like the defensive end or linebacker to exploit gaps and control game tempo. This approach suits teams with athletic but undersized lines, focusing on precision execution and repetition to wear down opponents through sustained ground gains. The signature triple option play exemplifies this, as the quarterback meshes with the fullback before reading the defense to decide the ball carrier.

Historical Origins

The Flexbone formation emerged from earlier option-based offenses that emphasized quarterback decision-making and misdirection to counter superior defenses. Its roots trace back to the veer offense developed by at the in the early 1960s, which utilized a split-back formation to execute plays with veer blocking schemes. This was further evolved into the by at the University of Texas in 1968, positioning three backs in a Y-shape behind the to enhance the triple option's effectiveness against stacked defenses. These foundational schemes provided the blocking principles and option reads that would later inform the Flexbone's core mechanics. The term "Flexbone" was coined by U.S. Air Force Academy head coach Fisher DeBerry in the 1980s, describing the formation's added flexibility over the traditional wishbone structure. Paul Johnson developed a modern version of the Flexbone in the mid-1980s during his time as an assistant coach at Georgia Southern University, where he adapted run-and-shoot passing concepts learned from Mouse Davis—known for popularizing the pass-heavy run-and-shoot offense in the 1970s and 1980s—to a run-oriented triple option framework. Davis's influence, particularly through his work at Portland State University and in professional leagues, introduced spread elements like slot receivers to stretch defenses horizontally, which Johnson integrated to create a more versatile formation. Johnson refined this system further as offensive coordinator at the University of Hawaii from 1990 to 1993, blending wishbone alignments with spread principles to suit mobile quarterbacks and limited rosters. The formation gained traction in service academies due to its low reliance on elite athleticism, making it ideal for players focused on military training; the U.S. Air Force Academy ran a flexbone variant under by the late 1990s, while adopted Johnson's full system in 2002 under his head coaching tenure, revitalizing their program. followed suit in the early , using the offense to compete despite size disadvantages against larger programs. Into the 2000s, the Flexbone evolved by incorporating more spread-option elements while preserving the triple option foundation, as seen in Johnson's implementations at (2002–2007) and (2008–2018), where it averaged over 300 rushing yards per game and led to multiple bowl wins. This adaptation allowed the offense to counter modern defenses by adding passing threats from slotbacks, though it retained the veer-inspired inside veer and midline options for core execution. Service academies continued refining it for their needs, with and achieving unbeaten seasons in the triple option era by the 2010s.

Formation Mechanics

Personnel and Alignment

The Flexbone formation utilizes an 11-player offensive personnel package, consisting of a (QB), fullback (B-back), two A-backs (slotbacks), a split end (X-receiver), a (Y), and five offensive linemen (center, two guards, two tackles). The QB serves as the central decision-maker, responsible for reading defenses, handing off, pitching the ball, or keeping it on runs, requiring exceptional mobility and quick under pressure. The fullback acts as the primary inside runner and lead blocker, positioned to receive the dive handoff or block for the QB's option path, demanding power and burst to break tackles. The two A-backs function as versatile option carriers, blockers, or receivers, capable of taking pitches, diving, or releasing on routes, necessitating speed, agility, and blocking proficiency to exploit edges. The split end provides outside blocking or deep threats, while the offers inline blocking support and short receiving options, both emphasizing physicality to seal edges. The offensive line, comprising athletic rather than purely power-based players, focuses on reach blocking to influence defenders without direct engagement, pulling quickly to second-level targets like linebackers, with linemen trained for combo and cut blocks to open lanes. In the standard alignment, the QB lines up under center, the fullback aligns directly behind at approximately 4-5 yards depth, and the A-backs flex out 4 yards deep and 2 yards wide from the tackles at a 45-degree angle, creating slot positions that threaten both run and pass. The offensive line sets in a balanced stance with tight splits (guards at 3 feet from center, tackles at 4 feet), the attached to the tackle on the strong side, and the split end split wide on the weak side at the . Variations include an , shifting the and one tackle to overload one side for mismatches, or pre-snap motion by an A-back crossing behind the fullback to diagnose defensive alignments and adjust blocking angles. Adaptations may adjust the alignment based on down-and-distance to emphasize power runs or passing threats. Athletic demands prioritize a mobile QB who can evade pursuit and execute reads at full speed, paired with linemen emphasizing quick feet for reach blocks over brute strength to maintain leverage against faster defenses.

Blocking Principles

The Flexbone formation relies on a rule-based blocking scheme combining gap and zone elements, featuring playside reach blocks and doubles on defensive ends before climbing to the second level, while backside linemen use scoop blocks to counter penetration and maintain horizontal stretch against slanting fronts. This approach allows linemen to work in tandem, with the playside guard and tackle often doubling a 3-technique before climbing to the second level, while backside linemen scoop inside to maintain horizontal stretch against slanting fronts. The scheme counters defensive penetration by prioritizing interior protection, enabling the to read options without immediate disruption. The fullback plays a pivotal role as the lead blocker on inside runs, positioning directly behind the to isolate linebackers or safeties on dives and pitches, reading a "cut key" to adjust paths and neutralize second-level pursuit. A-backs, aligned in the slots, handle perimeter blocking duties, arcing to to block force defenders like corners or outside linebackers, or executing crackback blocks on safeties to widen running lanes when the defense shifts coverage. These assignments ensure the perimeter remains stretched, supporting the option's multiple threats. Blocking rules in the Flexbone are designed to counter defensive stunts, blitzes, and varied fronts through structured calls like the over-under concept, where the playside guard identifies linebacker flow—over if scraping outside or under if crashing inside—to coordinate linemen adjustments and maintain blocking integrity. Against a 4-3 front, tags such as FLOW or SWAP direct the playside tackle to release outside for gap exchanges, while the center and guard down-block to exploit A-gap weaknesses; versus a 3-4, emphasis shifts to wider reach blocks to handle wider end alignments and prevent edge containment. These rules force defenders into conflicts, reducing the effectiveness of aggressive schemes. To complement the core option runs, the Flexbone integrates traps and counters that leverage the fullback for misdirection, with pulling guards trapping aggressive dive keys while the fullback leads through the opposite gap to block flowing linebackers and draw pursuit away from the primary action. This fullback trap isolates second-level defenders, averaging over 4 yards per carry in gap schemes by exploiting overpursuit, and pairs with counter veer paths to create numerical advantages against stacked boxes.

Core Plays and Strategies

Triple Option Execution

The triple option serves as the cornerstone play in the Flexbone formation, allowing the to make rapid decisions among three potential ball carriers: the fullback on the dive, the on the keep, or the (A-back) on the pitch. This play exploits defensive alignments by forcing a defender to choose between pursuing the interior run or the perimeter threat, creating numerical advantages for the offense. Execution begins with precise blocking schemes that isolate the quarterback's reads, though the focus here remains on the option mechanics themselves. In step-by-step execution, the takes the snap under and immediately reads the (the "dive key" or primary read) to determine whether to hand off to the fullback on the dive path. If the crashes inside or squeezes the fullback's path, the pulls the ball and transitions to the secondary read, typically the linebacker or weak-side (the "pitch key"), while pressing the mesh point with the fullback. If the pitch key attacks aggressively, the pitches the ball laterally to the trailing A-back at 3-4 yards depth; otherwise, the keeps and runs outside, using the A-back as a lead blocker. This read progression occurs in under two seconds, emphasizing speed and accuracy to prevent defensive containment. The mesh point, occurring approximately 4-5 yards behind the , is the critical exchange zone where the and fullback converge at a 45-degree , allowing the to present the ball for the option while maintaining eyes on the primary read. The replaces the key's heels with their toes, using a "pigeon-toe" footwork to plant and explode, ensuring the fullback can accelerate through the hole if handed off. This forces defensive hesitation, as the exchange mimics a handoff long enough to draw pursuit before revealing the option pull. Daily drills reinforce timing, with the quarterback calling out reads aloud to build instinctive decision-making. Variations of the triple option adapt to defensive fronts while preserving the core read structure. The speed option accelerates the pitch phase against aggressive edge defenders, shortening the mesh to 3 yards and prioritizing a quicker lateral throw to the A-back for perimeter gain. The load option modifies the fullback's role to lead block or seal the edge after the dive read, effectively turning it into a double option that attacks reduced fronts by adding an extra blocker to the perimeter. The midline option shifts the attack to the interior, with the reading a 3-technique instead of the end; if the tackle squeezes, the fullback dives through the A-gap, and the keeps toward the centerline without a pitch phase, exploiting plugged B-gaps. Quarterback responsibilities center on read progression, ball security, and occasional complementary actions like bootlegs off the option look to maintain defensive balance. The quarterback must maintain "Z's" in the hips, knees, and ankles for explosive movement, keep the chin pinned to the shoulder for balance, and ensure hands beat feet in the to avoid fumbles. Precision in these elements allows the quarterback to threaten both the run and pass, as a delayed bootleg can exploit over-pursuit from the read.

Complementary Option Plays

The Flexbone offense incorporates a variety of complementary option plays that leverage the same backfield motion and blocking principles as its core , thereby forcing defenses to account for multiple threats and preventing overcommitment to any single gap. These secondary plays enhance versatility by attacking both interior and perimeter areas, often using misdirection to exploit defensive flow created by the primary option action. By integrating these elements, the offense maintains unpredictability while adhering to its run-first philosophy. The inside veer serves as a foundational complementary play, where the reads the to decide between handing off to the fullback diving inside or keeping the ball and potentially pitching to an A-back on the perimeter. Blocking emphasizes reach schemes by the offensive line to seal the playside, with A-backs providing adjuster blocks against defenses, allowing smaller linemen to neutralize larger opponents through leverage and angle advantages. This play complements the by targeting the B-gap with similar veer blocking but adds a dive option that stresses interior linebackers, as seen in service academy implementations where it accounts for a significant portion of rushing yards. The midline option attacks more directly, with the quarterback meshing at a 45-degree angle with the fullback and reading the playside (typically the 3-technique) to choose between a handoff dive or a quarterback keep following an A-back lead blocker through the B-gap, without a traditional pitch option. Blocking involves and guards widening to create interior lanes, while wingbacks use motion to simulate veer action and draw defenders away from the point. It expands on the triple option's interior focus by stretching the defense horizontally and vertically, particularly effective in short-yardage situations or against gap-sound fronts that load the . Counters and traps provide misdirectional run elements, with the fullback trap using pulling guards to trap the tackle and create an A-gap lane for the fullback, often following a fake to draw linebackers away. The counter option variation involves an A-back in counter motion reversing direction post-snap, taking a handoff from the who fakes the dive, while a pulling guard kicks out the edge and the fullback leads through the C-gap. These plays exploit over-pursuit by defenses flowing to the triple option's pitch threat, redirecting the ball opposite the initial action to gain 5-10 yards on average in complementary usage, as demonstrated in coaching clinics emphasizing their role in balancing the offense. Play-action passes further diversify the attack, mimicking option footwork to freeze linebackers before the boots or sprints out for throws, such as the toss boot where a fake rocket toss leads to a flat route for the fullback or a crossing pattern to an A-back exploiting over-pursuit. Naked bootlegs omit backfield protection for quicker releases, reading the post-fake, while run-pass options (RPOs) allow the to decide between handing off on the dive read or pulling to pass on a quick slant or bubble screen based on the secondary's leverage. These concepts capitalize on the run-heavy reputation of the Flexbone, opening intermediate zones for 15-20 yard completions, particularly against defenses that commit eight or more to the box.

Strategic Role

Purpose and Advantages

The Flexbone formation serves as a run-dominant offensive scheme designed to maintain possession of the ball, control the game clock, and minimize turnovers by emphasizing repetitive, low-risk running plays that limit opportunities for defensive takeaways. This approach allows teams to sustain long drives, reducing the opponent's offensive possessions and gradually wearing down defenses through sustained physicality and repetition. By prioritizing the run game, the Flexbone achieves high efficiency in ball security and ; for example, one high school implementation averaged 6.4 yards per play and had three rushers surpass 800 yards in a season. Key advantages of the Flexbone include its ability to force defenses to account for the entire field through multiple option threats, creating numerical mismatches and assignment conflicts that exploit defensive overcommitments. The , as a foundational element, reads unblocked defenders to neutralize superior athleticism via precise decisions and misdirection, putting opponents in constant conflict without requiring the offense to block every defender. This adaptability shines against various defensive fronts, as the formation's personnel groupings and alignments—such as unbalanced sets or added tight ends—misalign coverage and compel substitutions, further disrupting defensive preparation. The Flexbone also promotes team discipline and execution over raw talent, fostering a system where blocking angles and reads provide leverage against larger opponents, while the 's quick mesh-point decisions result in notably low sack rates—for instance, Navy's offense recorded just 4.31% of quarterback sacks in recent seasons. Overall, Flexbone teams have demonstrated strong winning percentages, with seven FBS programs combining for a .600 record in , underscoring its effectiveness in controlling games and achieving consistent success.

Requirements for Success

The Flexbone formation demands specific player attributes to execute its option-based schemes effectively. The must be highly mobile and capable of making rapid decisions under pressure, often requiring the ability to evade defenders and execute reads while maintaining ball security; a strong arm is beneficial for complementary play-action passes but secondary to running prowess. The fullback needs to be a tough, powerful blocker and runner, excelling in inside zones and lead blocking to create running lanes for the dive option. Offensive linemen require and athleticism to execute precise blocking angles, such as reach and down blocks, often without relying on superior size. Coaching the Flexbone requires a unified staff with deep knowledge of the system's intricacies, including option reads and blocking rules, to ensure consistent execution across all levels. Extensive practice is essential, achieved through structured drills like group pods and assembly-line setups that maximize live reps to internalize timing and decision-making. The scheme's adaptability allows coaches to recruit and develop non-elite athletes by emphasizing technique, intelligence, and aggression over raw physical talent. Systemic factors play a critical role in the Flexbone's viability, including rules that permit option plays without excessive penalties on legal blocks, such as restrictions on crackback blocks that still allow offensive linemen to engage defenders effectively within the neutral zone. Institutional commitment is vital, particularly in environments like service academies where the run-heavy philosophy aligns with long-term player development and . Success also hinges on thorough of defensive tendencies, such as edge pursuit and gap assignments, to identify exploitable mismatches pre-snap. Overcoming challenges like modern pass rushes requires quick snaps to disrupt timing and pre-snap motions to force defensive realignments, preserving the offense's rhythm and ball-control advantages. These elements collectively ensure the Flexbone's precision-driven nature translates to consistent performance against varied defenses.

Legacy and Adoption

Notable Coaches

Paul Johnson is widely recognized as the developer of the modern Flexbone offense, initially refining it during his time as at from 1985 to 1988 and later as head coach from 1997 to 2001, where he achieved a 62-10 record and introduced spread option elements that evolved into spread-flex adaptations of the formation. At the from 2002 to 2007, Johnson implemented the Flexbone system, compiling a 45-29 record while emphasizing rushing efficiency and low-turnover play. His innovations focused on enhancing the offense's versatility through alignments and complementary passing concepts, making it adaptable to various personnel. Fisher DeBerry served as head coach at the from 1984 to 2006, where he integrated the Flexbone formation with principles, amassing a 169-109-1 record and leading the team to multiple bowl appearances. DeBerry's contributions included adapting the traditional wishbone by flexing tailbacks into slot positions to expand the passing game, a shift he helped pioneer as an assistant in 1982 before taking over as head coach. This evolution allowed Air Force to maintain a balanced attack, with the Flexbone serving as the core structure for their option-based schemes during his tenure. Ken Niumatalolo holds the distinction of being Navy's longest-tenured head coach, serving from 2007 to 2022 and posting a 109-83 record while building on the Flexbone foundation established by his predecessor. Niumatalolo's philosophy centered on a physical, run-dominant approach using the triple option, with a particular emphasis on fullback dives that accounted for 44% of carries in key seasons to control the clock and limit opponent possessions. He introduced subtle adaptations, such as incorporating tight ends on 22% of plays for blocking and occasional shotgun snaps, to add defensive challenges without abandoning the traditional Flexbone structure. Charlie Taaffe coached at The Citadel from 1987 to 1996, during which he employed a version of the wishbone offense powered by elements, contributing to the program's resurgence with 55 career victories at the school. Taaffe's implementation focused on reads and fullback involvement to execute option plays effectively against defenses.

Prominent Teams and Usage

The Flexbone formation has been prominently featured by the service academies, where it aligns with their emphasis on discipline, execution, and resource efficiency against larger opponents. At the United States Military Academy (Army), head coach Rich Ellerson implemented the Flexbone triple option offense from 2009 to 2013, achieving a 20-41 overall record during that period. The Black Knights posted a 7-6 mark in 2010, marking their first winning season since 1996 and earning a victory in the Armed Forces Bowl—the program's first bowl win in 13 years. The United States Naval Academy (Navy) has sustained long-term success with the Flexbone, particularly in Commander-in-Chief's Trophy competitions against Air Force, winning the trophy in 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2015 while relying on the system's clock control and misdirection to neutralize speed disadvantages. The Citadel, another military institution, utilized a Flexbone-style option attack during its standout 1992 season, finishing 11-2 overall and 6-1 in the Southern Conference to claim the league title and reach the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs for the third time in five years. Georgia Southern University exemplifies the Flexbone's dominance at the FCS level under Paul Johnson from 1997 to 2001, where the Eagles compiled a 62-10 record and won five straight titles. Despite its run-heavy focus, Johnson's implementation produced a high-scoring attack, averaging over 40 in multiple seasons, including a school-record 392 points in 1997 across 12 games. This era highlighted the offense's ability to generate explosive plays through option reads and perimeter blocking. Use of the Flexbone at the professional level has been rare due to the NFL's emphasis on passing and athletic linemen. In modern , as of November 2025, the Flexbone persists primarily at the service academies— under (2014–present), under (2025–present, succeeding Brian Newberry), and Air Force under (2007–present)—where adaptations maintain its core principles for tempo control and athlete utilization, contributing to top-40 offensive rankings in 2024 and ongoing success in 2025. At the FCS level, it persists at programs like and Wofford, while Kennesaw State transitioned away from its Flexbone-based option scheme in 2023–2024 under new leadership to a , reflecting broader adaptations in the analytics era that emphasize metrics such as success rate on core runs like the zone dive. High school programs continue to adopt the system for its low-cost implementation and developmental benefits, often blending it with data-driven adjustments to option reads.

References

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  20. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ztx65xyVuw
  21. http://www.flexbonenation.com/blog/2015/1/21/inside-veer-rules
  22. https://www.glazierclinics.com/football-coach-resources/inside-veer-blocking-flexbone-rules-that-help-neutralize-size-disadvantages
  23. https://tripleoptionfootball.com/2025/10/12/flexbone-offense-perimeter-blocking/
  24. http://www.flexbonenation.com/blog/2015/9/9/mid-triple-part-3-4-36-1-defense
  25. https://www.xandolabs.com/the-lab/offense/offensive-systems/flex-bone/auxiliary-gap-run-schemes-in-the-flex-bone-offense/
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBTd2VD47s8
  27. https://www.glazierclinics.com/football-coach-resources/flexbone-triple-option-explained-when-to-run-it-how-to-win-with-it
  28. https://www.xandolabs.com/the-lab/offense/offensive-systems/flex-bone/6-drills-to-teach-triple-option-mesh-mechanics/
  29. https://footballtoolbox.net/installing-the-mechanics-for-load-lead-and-speed-options-part-1
  30. https://www.teamrankings.com/college-football/team/navy-midshipmen/stats
  31. https://cnsmaryland.org/2017/09/08/more-colleges-succeed-with-flexbone-but-navy-leads-the-way/
  32. http://www.flexbonenation.com/blog/2018/3/19/guest-blog-installation-progression-the-flexbone-offense-by-scott-dieterich
  33. https://tripleoptionfootball.com/2025/08/13/flexbone-offensive-line-run-blocking-schemes-explained/
  34. https://www.footballzebras.com/2020/12/dissecting-blindside-blocks-when-is-it-legal-or-illegal/
  35. https://throwdeeppublishing.com/blogs/news/the-flexbone-offense-how-to-id-the-defense
  36. https://www.xandolabs.com/the-lab/offense/offensive-systems/flex-bone/combatting-common-defensive-adjustments-to-the-flexbone-offense-part-1/
  37. https://navysports.com/news/2023/10/16/hall-of-fame-coach-paul-johnson-turned-around-the-fortunes-of-navy-football
  38. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/fisher-deberry-1.html
  39. https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/coaches/ken-niumatalolo-1.html
  40. https://www.postandcourier.com/sports/the-citadel-gsu-returning-to-triple-option-offense/article_f0fb6a2b-3a85-5f61-9da6-b187e1b77136.html
  41. https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2024/12/12/24319437/army-vs-navy-triple-option-feature-reporting-analysis-football
  42. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4417216/2023/04/17/army-football-monken-triple-option-shotgun/
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