The Detroit Lions are shaking things up-and not everyone’s thrilled about it.
After a frustrating 2025 season that saw Detroit tumble from a franchise-best 15-2 record to a disappointing 9-8 finish and a missed playoff berth, Dan Campbell and company aren’t wasting time retooling the staff. The first major domino fell when offensive coordinator John Morton was let go-despite the offense finishing fourth in the league in scoring at 28.3 points per game. That move raised eyebrows, and the Lions’ next hires are doing the same.
On Monday, Detroit named Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator. Petzing, who previously served in the same role with the Cleveland Browns, brings a reputation for quarterback development and creative play design. But the more surprising move came with the addition of former New York Giants head coach Mike Kafka, who’s been hired for what’s being described as a “high-ranking offensive staff role.”
Kafka’s recent résumé is a mixed bag. He stepped in as the Giants’ interim head coach late in the 2025 season after Brian Daboll was fired, guiding New York to a 2-5 finish and a 4-13 overall record.
That stint didn’t exactly inspire confidence, and it’s no surprise that some fans are questioning the hire. Social media lit up with criticism, with some questioning Kafka’s play-calling ability and others labeling the Lions’ coaching staff as “stacking up mid.”
But let’s take a step back. While the reaction has been swift and loud, it’s worth remembering how quickly things can change in the NFL.
Just two years ago, Dan Campbell was being praised as one of the most inspiring leaders in football, turning a long-suffering franchise into a legitimate contender. One down year-especially one marred by injuries-doesn’t erase that progress.
And make no mistake, injuries played a huge role in Detroit’s 2025 struggles. Losing star tight end Sam LaPorta after just nine games was a massive blow to the offense.
On the defensive side, the Lions were hit hard, with key players like Brian Branch, DJ Reed, Tyleik Williams, Alim McNeill, Terrion Arnold, and Kerby Joseph all missing significant time. That’s a lot of talent off the field, and it showed in the Lions’ inability to close games down the stretch.
Now, with a healthy roster and a fresh set of minds on the offensive staff, the Lions are betting on a bounce-back. General manager Brad Holmes has plenty of cap space to work with this offseason, and Detroit’s biggest needs-particularly in the secondary and along the interior offensive line-are clear. Expect those areas to be a focus in free agency and the draft.
The Lions still have a strong core in place, and the foundation that led to a 15-win season isn’t gone-it’s just been tested. The coaching hires may not be flashy, and they may not come with universal approval, but Campbell and Holmes have earned at least some benefit of the doubt. They’ve built something in Detroit that’s worth watching, and 2026 could be the year it all comes back together.
For now, the criticism is loud. But in this league, the only thing that matters is what happens on Sundays. And the Lions still have the pieces to make noise.