Detroit Lions Appoint Former Cardinals OC Drew Petzing as New Offensive Coordinator
The Detroit Lions have made a significant decision by hiring Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator. This choice comes after a thorough search that considered multiple candidates for the position.
Drew Petzing’s Coaching Journey
At just 38 years old, Petzing has an impressive coaching background. He began his career as a defensive back at Middlebury College and swiftly moved into coaching after injuries cut his playing days short. Petzing has worked as a graduate assistant at both Harvard and Boston College, and he briefly coached linebackers at Yale.
Transition to the NFL
In 2013, he interned with the Cleveland Browns, shifting his focus to offense under coordinator Norv Turner. This experience led him to the Minnesota Vikings, where he spent six seasons. Petzing played various roles, starting with running backs, then receivers, and eventually quarterbacks. He gained recognition for his work with star receivers Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen.
Kevin Stefanski, head coach of the Browns, praised Petzing’s coaching intelligence and versatility. “He’s one of the smartest coaches I’ve been around,” Stefanski remarked. Petzing’s broad experience in coaching different position groups enriched his understanding of the game.
Recent Tenure with the Arizona Cardinals
After a challenging 7-10 season with the Browns, Petzing became the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. This connection came through Jonathan Gannon, who had previously worked with him in Minnesota. Despite facing injuries, including the loss of quarterback Kyler Murray for most of one season, Petzing succeeded in maintaining offensive productivity.
- In his first year (2023), the Cardinals matched their prior year’s yardage and points.
- In 2024, a healthy Murray led the Cardinals to a 12th-place scoring finish, partly due to standout performances from running back James Conner.
- During this period, Conner averaged an impressive 5.3 yards per carry, the second-best in the NFL.
Challenges and Achievements
The 2025 season posed challenges with injuries affecting multiple players, yet tight end Trey McBride thrived under Petzing’s guidance. McBride’s receiving numbers skyrocketed, showcasing his potential as a top talent in the league.
Fit with the Detroit Lions
Petzing’s approach emphasizes a strong running game, which aligns well with Lions head coach Dan Campbell’s vision. His successful use of tight ends and effective play-calling in run-heavy schemes could significantly benefit the Lions’ offense.
This strategic commitment to the run has previously resulted in top-10 finishes in Arizona, and it suggests a promising direction for Detroit’s offensive strategy.
