Detroit Lions hire Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, per reports

The Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports, as the quest to find Ben Johnson’s suitable and long-term replacement for head coach Dan Campbell entered its second phase.

Petzing was the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, but he was not retained along with the rest of Jonathan Gannon’s staff following the 2025 season. Prior to his stint with Arizona, Petzing coached wide receivers, quarterbacks and tight ends with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns and learned in Kevin Stefanski’s system.

Campbell initially tapped John Morton to succeed Johnson, who was hired to be the Chicago Bears‘ head coach a year ago after his success with the Lions caused him to become the hottest name on the coaching carousel for more than one cycle.

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Detroit’s counting stats – the Lions finished the season ranked fourth in scoring and fifth in yards per game – hid the step back the offense took in 2025. Campbell took over play-calling duties in November and Detroit missed the playoffs at 9-8 one season after being the NFC’s No. 1 seed and winning 15 games.

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