Since his hire as offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing's history with former Detroit Lions OC, and current Chicago Bears head coach, Ben Johnson, is well-documented. Petzing was a groomsman at Johnson's wedding after all.
It's only natural that Johnson would have something to say for Dave Birkett's profile on Petzing about his friend taking over his old job at a division rival, saying, "I could see this being a great fit, knowing Dan (Campbell) and knowing Drew both. I think it’s probably a match made in heaven."
"I think he's going to blow those players away just from a knowledge standpoint, from a connection standpoint. I fully expect that offense to be clicking at a high level next year. It wouldn't surprise me one bit, and I think there's a reason why Dan, from what I could gather, cast a wide net for the offensive coordinator job, and Drew hit the right notes in terms of what he was looking for."
Petzing joins a Lions team that struggled to recapture Johnson's magic after the former OC was hired by the Bears for their head coaching role, which Petzing also interviewed for. Johnson's Bears would go on to win the NFC North as well as a playoff game, while Dan Campbell and the Lions watched the playoffs from home after a disappointing 9-8 season.
The Lions fired Johnson's replacement, John Morton, after just one season, with Campbell taking over play-calling duties midseason. Despite this, the Lions finished with a 2-0 record against the Bears -- their only two wins in the NFC North in 2025.
Johnson praises Petzing's grit and work ethic
Johnson, more than anyone, knows what it takes to be successful in Detroit and what makes a great OC for Campbell. It's the word that has been plastered across the organization for the past five years: grit. Johnson believes Petzing has it, thanks to his extensive background.
"He didn't take any shortcuts. He took some lumps along the way, and yet he's here because he works his tail off. It wasn't like he rode someone's coattails to get to where he is, either. He had to work his way up, and he's been successful every stop along the way."
When talking about what Petzing brings to Detroit, Johnson said that Petzing has shown during his time with the Arizona Cardinals that he is "going to put his best players in a chance to showcase what they do."
That would certainly be a welcome sign, as the Lions last season struggled to make the most out of their best offensive talents during Morton's tenure. That includes wide receiver Jameson Williams and running back David Montgomery, with Williams flourishing after Morton's play-calling demotion.
If Petzing wants to be successful in Detroit, he'll have to utilize those two, along with others like quarterback Jared Goff and the offensive line, to the same high degree Johnson did.
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Ultimately, Johnson praised the Lions' hiring of Petzing, saying, "I think it’s a really smart decision by Dan." Now, the two friends will be matched up twice a year, and Johnson knows he'll have to be ready for it.
"It’s going to be hopefully not too big of a headache on us," Johnson said, "but I see it being a really good match."