🦁 A New Offensive Era: The Detroit Lions Hire Drew Petzing

In a move that shocked portions of the NFL community, the Detroit Lions have officially hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator for the 2026 season. After a lengthy search for the right offensive mind to guide Jared Goff and the Lions’ explosive offense, Detroit’s front office — led by Head Coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes — landed on a candidate with experience, versatility, and a unique coaching background.

🔄 From Arizona to Detroit

Petzing, 38 years old, spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals before being tapped by Detroit. During his time in Arizona, Petzing’s offenses produced mixed results — from a top-12 scoring attack in 2024 to struggles in 2023 and 2025 — amid personnel turnover and injuries, especially at quarterback.

Despite the inconsistencies, the Lions clearly value his experience as a play-caller and offensive architect, particularly given Detroit’s offensive talent. With weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Goff at quarterback, Petzing enters one of the most dynamic skill-position rooms in the NFL.

🧠 A Coach With a Varied Resume

Petzing’s coaching journey is a modern NFL success story:

• Began coaching in college before breaking into the league with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014.

• Worked with the Cleveland Browns as tight ends and quarterbacks coach from 2020–22.

• Became Arizona’s offensive coordinator in 2023, steadily building his play-calling profile.

This diverse background — from working with multiple position groups to leading an NFL offense — was a major part of his appeal to Detroit’s decision-makers.

🏈 Why the Lions Chose Petzing

Detroit’s search wasn’t a short one. Reports surfaced that the Lions interviewed multiple candidates, including some names that didn’t make headlines publicly, before ultimately choosing Petzing.

The choice reflects Detroit’s desire for offensive continuity and a measured approach. After firing former coordinator John Morton following a disappointing 9-8 season, and with Dan Campbell having taken over play-calling midseason, the organization clearly wanted someone who could establish rhythm and structure from Week 1 in 2026.

📊 Expert Reaction: A Calculated, If Surprising, Decision

Analysts and insiders have characterized the Petzing hire as a somewhat surprising but fundamentally sound choice. Many point to his reputation as a student of the game with experience building both the passing and running game, even if his Cardinals tenure was inconsistent.

Some observers note that Petzing’s history — including past collaborations with Lions coaching staff members like Hank Fraley — could help ease his transition and bolster cohesion on offense.

🦁 What This Means for the Lions’ Offense

For Lions fans, Petzing’s arrival raises a series of intriguing possibilities:

• Will he unleash the full potential of Detroit’s elite skill players?

• Can he build a balanced offense that blends power running with explosive passing?

• Will Jared Goff thrive under a coordinator with fresh ideas and analytic depth?

Detroit’s offense has elite talent — now the task is matching that talent with a scheme and identity that can finally deliver deep playoff runs. With Petzing at the helm, that dream is very much alive… but the proof will be on the field.