The Detroit Lions made headlines Monday with a move that caught just about everyone off guard: hiring former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to take over their own OC role. It wasn’t just surprising-it was completely off the radar. There had been zero public ties between Petzing and the Lions, and with seven other known candidates in the mix, his name hadn’t surfaced in any coaching carousel chatter.
But while the public may have been in the dark, the Lions clearly weren’t. According to reports, Detroit had done its homework.
Petzing was interviewed last week and even spent time talking scheme with quarterback Jared Goff over the weekend. So while it felt like a curveball, this was no impulsive hire-it was calculated.
Still, the reaction from fans and analysts was mixed, and understandably so. This was a high-profile opening-an offense with serious talent and playoff aspirations-and many believed Detroit could attract a more proven name. Petzing, while respected in some circles, hasn’t exactly been a hot commodity in the coaching rumor mill.
But now that the dust is settling, and we’ve had time to dig into Petzing’s body of work, it’s worth taking a closer look at what he brings to the table-and where the concerns lie.
Why the Fit Makes Sense
Let’s start with the upside. One of the biggest questions surrounding this hire was how Detroit would evolve its offense without reinventing the wheel or forcing Jared Goff into a role that doesn’t suit him.
Petzing checks that box. His offensive philosophy aligns well with what the Lions have built: a strong under-center run game, heavy personnel groupings, and a play-action-heavy passing attack.
That’s music to Goff’s ears-and to the ears of a front office that doesn’t want to lose the identity Ben Johnson helped shape.
Petzing’s scheme is rooted in physicality and smart design. He’s known for using motion and formation shifts to create mismatches, and while that might not grab headlines, it’s the kind of football IQ that makes life easier for everyone on the field.
In 2024, he helped guide a young Cardinals offense to a borderline top-10 finish-despite working with a quarterback room that was far from elite and a skill group still finding its footing. That included rookie Marvin Harrison Jr., second-year wideout Michael Wilson, and emerging tight end Trey McBride.
The fact that he coaxed real production out of that group speaks volumes.
And while Petzing hasn’t worked directly with Dan Campbell before, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. His only real connection to Detroit is a past stint with offensive line coach Hank Fraley in Minnesota and a personal relationship with Ben Johnson. That means he’s bringing a fresh set of eyes to the building-something that could help prevent the offense from going stale while still keeping its core identity intact.
The Red Flags
That said, there are legitimate concerns. The 2025 season in Arizona was rough.
Injuries played a big role, no doubt, but the bottom line is the Cardinals’ run game completely fell apart. They ranked near the bottom of the league in most rushing categories, which is a red flag for a team like Detroit that prides itself on being able to run the ball effectively.
Then there’s the situational play-calling. Fourth-down efficiency under Petzing was consistently poor:
- 2023: 44.1% (27th)
- 2024: 44.4% (28th)
- 2025: 42.9% (29th)
Those numbers are hard to ignore, especially in today’s NFL where fourth-down aggressiveness is often the difference between winning and losing close games.
On the flip side, Petzing’s offenses were solid on third down:
- 2023: 39.1% (14th)
- 2024: 43.0% (8th)
- 2025: 41.5% (9th)
That suggests he can scheme effectively in high-leverage moments, even if his fourth-down decisions leave something to be desired. It’s a mixed bag, but not a deal-breaker.
The Bigger Picture
There’s also the question of timing. The Lions were one of the first teams to make an OC hire this cycle, and Petzing wasn’t exactly a name being floated for other jobs. That doesn’t mean he wasn’t in demand-more information may come out-but it’s fair to wonder why a team with Detroit’s offensive talent didn’t draw more buzzworthy candidates.
Then again, maybe that’s the point. The Lions weren’t looking for a headline-they were looking for a fit. And if Petzing can bring fresh ideas while maintaining the offensive identity that’s helped Detroit become a contender, this hire could age better than some expect.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, this feels like a B to B-minus move. There’s a clear vision here, and Petzing has shown he can produce results with limited resources.
His 2024 season in Arizona is a strong data point in his favor. But the concerns-particularly around the 2025 collapse and fourth-down decision-making-are very real.
This isn’t a slam-dunk hire. It’s a calculated risk. But if Petzing can mesh with Campbell, elevate Goff, and get the run game back to form, it could turn out to be a savvy move that keeps the Lions offense humming into the next phase of their evolution.