Detroit Lions to Hire Cardinals’ Offensive Coordinator in Strategic Move

Emerson Raymont

ago 2 hours

Detroit Lions to Hire Cardinals’ Offensive Coordinator in Strategic Move

The Detroit Lions have concluded their search for a new offensive coordinator, appointing Drew Petzing for the role. This decision comes on the heels of a two-week evaluation period. Previously, Petzing served as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals since 2023, where he called plays under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Background of Drew Petzing

Drew Petzing, 38, boasts coaching experience across several teams. Before joining the Cardinals, he worked as a quarterbacks and tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2022. Additionally, Petzing has tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, where he coached receivers and quarterbacks from 2016 to 2019.

Petzing began his coaching career as a student assistant at Harvard in 2009. His trajectory included roles at Boston College and Yale before entering the NFL as a football operations intern with the Browns in 2013. He has not previously collaborated with Lions head coach Dan Campbell, making this new relationship a point of interest.

Previous Performance and Key Stats

In Petzing’s final season with the Cardinals, the offense ranked 23rd in scoring.
Passing offense was 26th, and rushing offense stood at 16th.
Despite facing injuries, including the absence of star quarterback Kyler Murray for most of the season, Petzing leaned heavily on veteran Jacoby Brissett.
Tight end Trey McBride had a standout season, setting a record for tight ends with 126 receptions.

While the Cardinals struggled in certain areas, Petzing’s rushing attack emerged as a strong point, contributing to the team’s rank as a top-five rushing unit in 2023. His best season came in 2024, where the Cardinals ranked second in rushing yards per carry, demonstrating his ability to develop a potent ground game.

The Situation in Detroit

The Lions’ offensive coordinator position is notably attractive, given the team’s existing talent. Franchise quarterback Jared Goff, All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, and standout running back Jahmyr Gibbs provide a solid foundation. With the Lions eager to enhance their offensive performance, the organization seeks a leader skilled in detail-oriented game planning.

General Manager Brad Holmes emphasized the importance of leadership and attention to detail when selecting a new offensive coordinator. He highlighted the need for someone who can effectively command the team and ensure all elements of coaching standards are met consistently.

Future Considerations

As Campbell evaluates his role, the balance between maintaining play-calling responsibilities and focusing on the overall team strategy will be critical. This decision may shape the direction of the Lions’ offense moving forward. Campbell acknowledged the challenges of choosing to keep play-calling responsibilities, particularly given the potential for team continuity.

The Lions aim to transition their offense toward more successful outings, looking to leverage the skills and creativity Petzing brings to the table in hopes of achieving consistent success in the upcoming season.