Madden 22: 16 Changes to Franchise Mode NFL fans need to see

Franchise Mode changes fans want in Madden 22: Nos. 5-8

5. Expanded Scouting Staff

While on the topic of scouting, more focus should also be placed on the virtual people who do the actual scouting. Expanding the staff to a Director of College Scouting and a Director of Pro Scouting can allow for different strategies when it comes to the two sides of scouting.

For example, if you want to get better value when it comes to trades, or you want to have a clearer idea of how a free agent will fit with your team, you’d have to hire a better (and more expensive) Director of Pro Scouting. The same can be said for the college side of scouting.

The better your director is, the more information you have available for players. NFL teams deal with this all the time, why shouldn’t we?

6. Expanded Coaching Staff

The scouting staff isn’t the only area that sorely needs an upgrade. Madden used to have coordinators featured in their Franchise Mode but recent years have failed to see any new developments in that area. Luckily, there have been whispers of this feature making its return in Madden 22. While you’re busy fist-pumping the air, let me lay out the ideal plan for coordinators.

• They should be hired after the head coach.
• They can be fired separately from the head coach.
• They can be promoted if the head coach is fired.
• They can accept offers elsewhere.

And if all this is possible, then why not have an option to play as a coordinator? I’d love to see this eventually evolve into position coaches, too. As a bonus, Madden should add a Strength and Conditioning Coach that directly impacts players’ durability.

7. Increased Pool of Coaches

If coordinators become a thing, then revamping the pool of hirable coaches should be, too. No disrespect to any Matt Hedrick truthers, but it would be so cool to hire an actual coordinator—or better yet, someone like a former player. I know that’s typically more prevalent in the NBA or NHL, but it would add a fun new layer to hiring coaches.

Madden can even add stereotypes to each coach that impact players’ decisions to sign with the team, like “Players Coach” or “Analytics Nerd.” The ball’s rolling here, so let’s suggest submitting interview requests to current coordinators as well. Imagine firing your head coach after the season and requesting an interview with the hottest coordinator in the game.

Come on EA Sports, give us the same experience that NFL front offices have.

8. Expanded Business Staff

This may not be for everyone, but I’d love to have more influence over the team’s business side. Adding a Director of Finance could be useful for helping with financial issues. Having a good one can aid in generating more revenue, which can help when building stadiums or unlocking new concessions or merchandise.

Another cool new staff member could be a Director of Player Engagement. This role has become increasingly more important in the league today, so having a good one can be helpful when convincing players to sign and it can increase fan morale.