The Detroit Lions have finally landed their next offensive coordinator, hiring Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing as their John Morton replacement. ESPN's Adam Schefter was first to report the hire.
Petzing has been the OC for the Cardinals since 2023, helping to develop players like Trey McBride alongside a struggling quarterback room. Petzing has prior experience as the Cleveland Browns' quarterbacks coach back in 2022 and a wide receivers coach with the Minnesota Vikings back in 2019. He's familiar with at least one NFC North foe in that way.
Petzing's name might come as a shock to Lions fans considering the numerous other, more noteworthy interviews for the role. Mike McDaniel had interviewed for the position, as well as Mike Kafka. The team had plans to interview Zac Robinson, Tee Martin, and Arthur Smith, as well.
But, Petzing can bring a fresh look to the offense, and one that will finally have a solid offense and base to work with as opposed to the chaos that was Arizona's offense the last few seasons.
Lions hire Drew Petzing to be next OC
Detroit might've seen the writing on the wall with McDaniel (and a few other candidates) after the firing of Sean McDermott on Monday morning. With so many lucrative openings, it's likely there are more desperate teams out there looking to fill their HC openings, as opposed to the Lions, who have a great base to work with on offense for years to come.
Additionally, Petzing does not seem like someone who is going to walk for the next best opportunity after one year. Barring him getting fired after a failed 2026 season, it's unlikely that Petzing will be getting the same nods for head coaching vacancies like McDaniel or Kafka would. That was a sticking point for Dan Campbell after the season wrapped.
“I mean, I guess one of the good things if I did do that, you don’t have to worry about somebody else leaving. You don’t have to worry about your play-caller leaving. So, that would be one of the perks of it. But listen, I’m going to think through all of that, and I think I really want to do what I feel is best for the team," said Campbell of just keeping the role of play-calling moving forward.
Petzing is known for having gotten McBride going this season, which could bode well for a Lions tight ends room that's hoping to get Sam LaPorta back fully healthy. However, he didn't work very well with Kyler Murray when he was healthy, with Murray struggling to stay "on" with his wide receivers. But, with Jared Goff, Petzing is getting a much more established pocket passer.
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The Lions have made their move, and now have an OC to work with ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. That's a good thing for them, especially since they need to work on re-establishing their trenches and their run game with a solid coaching staff established.