The Detroit Lions have found their new offensive coordinator - and they didn’t have to look far to find a coach who’s already earned respect across the league for doing more with less.
Drew Petzing, 38, is expected to take the reins of Detroit’s offense after a year in Arizona where the numbers didn’t tell the full story. Despite the Cardinals finishing 3-14, Petzing’s offense showed enough grit and creativity to catch the eye of Lions head coach Dan Campbell. And after a midweek interview, Campbell was sold.
Here’s why this hire could be a significant move for a Lions team looking to build on recent progress - and why Petzing may be exactly the kind of mind Detroit needs in the booth.
Petzing’s Arizona Resume: More Than Meets the Eye
Let’s start with what Petzing was working with in Arizona. The Cardinals lost quarterback Kyler Murray, running back James Conner, and top wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. to season-ending injuries.
That’s your offensive spine - gone. Yet, Petzing kept the unit competitive and, at times, surprisingly productive.
The Cardinals ranked 31st in rushing yards per game (93.1) and 23rd in scoring (20.9 points per game) in 2025. On paper, that doesn’t scream “next OC hire.” But when you zoom out and look at the context - a decimated roster, a rookie-heavy depth chart, and a rebuilding franchise - the fact that Petzing’s offense even showed flashes is impressive.
Look back to 2024, when the Cardinals were healthier and Petzing had more tools at his disposal. That year, Arizona ranked seventh in rushing, 11th in total offense, and 12th in points scored.
That’s a top-tier offensive profile. And it wasn’t just volume - it was efficiency.
Over the past three years, the Cardinals ranked 14th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play, a strong indicator of how well an offense performs situationally.
One area where Petzing truly leaned into modern offensive philosophy? Play-action.
Arizona ranked fourth in the league in play-action rate in 2025 - a strategy that aligns perfectly with Jared Goff’s strengths. Goff completed over 70% of his play-action passes last season, posting a 114.0 passer rating on those throws.
That’s elite efficiency, and it’s no coincidence the Lions targeted a coordinator who can maximize that part of Goff’s game.
A Coaching Journey Through the NFC North
Petzing isn’t new to the NFC North - or to climbing the coaching ladder the hard way. He started his career as a student assistant at Harvard in 2009 and spent two years at Boston College as a graduate assistant. That stint included time working with Ben Johnson, the former Lions OC and now head coach of the Chicago Bears.
From there, Petzing joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2014 and steadily rose through the ranks, eventually becoming wide receivers coach. He later coached tight ends and quarterbacks with the Cleveland Browns under Kevin Stefanski, gaining valuable experience across multiple offensive positions. That versatility - and his ability to connect with players in different roles - stood out to Campbell, GM Brad Holmes, and special assistant Chris Spielman during the Lions’ OC search.
Petzing’s most recent role was as offensive coordinator under Jonathan Gannon in Arizona. With Gannon out and the Cardinals pivoting, the timing was right for Petzing to take the next step - and Detroit pounced.
Why the Lions Made the Move
The Lions parted ways with offensive coordinator John Morton on January 6, just two days after their season ended short of the playoffs. Morton had already lost play-calling duties midway through the year, and while the team appreciated his efforts, Holmes made it clear they were ready for a fresh direction.
“Sometimes you just have to make the tough decision to move forward and move on,” Holmes said in his end-of-season press conference.
Campbell has a history of making bold coordinator moves. He hired Anthony Lynn as his first OC in 2021, then handed play-calling duties to Ben Johnson midway through the season.
Johnson turned the Lions into one of the league’s most exciting offenses from 2022 to 2024 before departing for Chicago. Morton, a familiar face from Campbell’s New Orleans days, stepped in - but the offense never quite hit that same gear.
Now, Petzing steps into a role with high expectations - and a quarterback in Goff who already spoke with him over the weekend to begin building that all-important rapport.
A Deep OC Search, But Petzing Rose to the Top
Detroit didn’t rush this hire. They cast a wide net, interviewing nine candidates, including some big names like former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel and Steelers OC Arthur Smith. They also looked at internal options like David Shaw and outside voices like Ravens quarterbacks coach Tee Martin and Browns OC Tommy Rees.
But Petzing emerged as the right fit - a coach with a track record of adaptability, creativity, and resilience.
What Comes Next
Campbell is expected to hand back play-calling duties to his new OC, which means Petzing will have full control of the offense in 2026. With Goff under center, a strong offensive line, and a dynamic backfield, the pieces are in place. Petzing’s emphasis on play-action, his experience developing quarterbacks, and his ability to adjust on the fly all suggest he’s ready to lead this offense into its next chapter.
For a Lions team that’s been on the cusp of something special, this hire isn’t just about Xs and Os - it’s about finding a voice who can elevate the entire unit. Drew Petzing might just be that voice.