Detroit Lions Set To Hire Drew Petzing As Offensive Coordinator

The Detroit Lions are on the verge of a significant coaching shakeup, with sources from across the NFL confirming that Drew Petzing, former offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, is set to take the reins as Detroit’s new offensive coordinator. The move, first reported on January 19, 2026, signals a bold new direction for a Lions offense that, despite flashes of brilliance in the 2025 season, ultimately fell short of expectations and postseason aspirations.

Petzing, 38, brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for adaptability, having weathered both triumphs and tribulations during his three-year tenure with the Cardinals. He replaces John Morton, who was dismissed on January 6, 2026, after just one season in Detroit—a campaign that saw the Lions finish 9-8 and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2022. The search for Morton’s successor was extensive, with general manager Brad Holmes emphasizing the need for leadership and meticulous attention to detail. “There has to be leadership, there has to be detail-oriented, there's got to be command of the room,” Holmes said during his end-of-season press conference. “You just have to be able to know that there's somebody that's going to be able to dot every 'i,' cross every 'T' and make sure that nothing is compromised from a detail standpoint, from a standards standpoint from the start of the game-planning period all the way 'til the end of the week.”

The Lions’ offensive journey in 2025 was nothing short of a rollercoaster. Under Morton, Detroit ranked fifth in total yards per game (373.2), third in passing yards (253.1), and 14th in rushing yards (120.1), notching an impressive 28.3 points per game—tied for fourth in the NFL. Yet, the unit struggled with consistency and identity, especially after head coach Dan Campbell took over playcalling duties in Week 10. The offense, loaded with talent like Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta, often relied on explosive plays but failed to sustain momentum week in and week out. The shadow of Ben Johnson, who orchestrated a record-setting 33.2 points per game in 2024 before leaving to coach the Chicago Bears, still loomed large.

Now, the Lions are banking on Petzing to restore offensive cohesion and elevate Detroit back to the upper echelons of NFL scoring. But what exactly does Petzing bring to the table? His journey in Arizona was a study in contrasts. In 2023, the Cardinals ranked 19th in yards and 24th in points, but surged to 11th in yards and 12th in points by 2024, buoyed by a healthy Kyler Murray and a formidable ground game. That 2024 squad finished seventh in rushing and second in yards per attempt, inspiring optimism for a breakthrough in 2025.

Unfortunately, injuries would derail those hopes. The 2025 Cardinals lost Murray, running back James Conner, and star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to season-ending injuries. The offensive line, already weakened by the departure of coach Klayton Adams to the Dallas Cowboys, buckled under the strain. The result? Arizona plummeted to 31st in rushing yards per game (93.1), 29th in rushing touchdowns (nine), and took the fifth-most sacks in the league (59). The passing attack, forced to lean on Jacoby Brissett after a midseason quarterback swap, managed a respectable seventh in yards (232.6) and passing touchdowns (27), but overall scoring dipped to 20.9 points per game—23rd in the NFL. The Cardinals finished 19th in total yards per game (325.8), a far cry from their 2024 heights.

Despite the setbacks, Petzing’s playcalling drew praise for its resilience and creativity. Arizona’s offense ranked 14th over the past three years in Expected Points Added per play and was fourth in play-action rate in 2025, according to Sharp Football Analysis. The NFL’s faith in Petzing’s acumen is evident—he was reportedly a candidate for the Bears’ head coaching job and maintained strong interest from multiple franchises. His ability to adapt to shifting personnel and circumstances, as well as his experience coaching tight ends, quarterbacks, and wide receivers across stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns, made him an attractive candidate for Detroit’s leadership.

“It was just, let's try something a little different,” Campbell said in November, reflecting on the midseason playcalling change. “Look, I know what I want to do, I know how I want to do it. Now, that being said, this is a collaborative effort. I was taking input from John Morton that whole time, and the other coaches.” With Petzing’s arrival, Campbell is expected to hand playcalling duties back to his new coordinator, a move designed to foster a more focused and innovative offensive approach in 2026.

Petzing’s hiring followed a comprehensive search that included interviews with nine candidates, among them former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, New York Giants interim coach Mike Kafka, and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The Lions’ willingness to look outside the organization—after years of promoting from within—underscores the urgency and ambition driving this decision. Petzing even spoke directly with quarterback Jared Goff over the weekend before the deal was finalized, signaling a commitment to building rapport and tailoring the offense to Detroit’s strengths.

For Lions fans, the question now is whether Petzing can recapture the magic of the Ben Johnson era and guide Detroit back to postseason contention. The pieces are certainly in place: Goff completed more than 70% of his passes and posted a stellar 114.0 passer rating on play-action throws in 2025, according to NFL Next Gen stats. With dynamic playmakers like Gibbs and St. Brown, and a front office emphasizing leadership and accountability, the foundation appears solid.

Of course, the NFL is a league defined by its unpredictability. Petzing’s Arizona tenure was marked by both promise and frustration, shaped by injuries and shifting fortunes. But as he prepares to take over one of the league’s most intriguing offenses, there’s a sense in Detroit that the right mix of experience, innovation, and resilience could finally unlock the Lions’ full potential.

With the deal expected to be finalized soon, all eyes will be on Allen Park as Drew Petzing gets to work. Can he steer the Lions back to the playoffs and reignite an offense brimming with talent? The Motor City faithful are eager to find out as a new era dawns for Detroit football.