Detroit, Michigan, January 20, 2026
The Detroit Lions have appointed Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator in hopes of revitalizing their lackluster offense from the previous season. Petzing, 38, previously coached with the Arizona Cardinals and has a notable background in developing offensive plays. This change comes after former coordinator John Morton’s one-season tenure. Head Coach Dan Campbell anticipates Petzing’s detail-oriented leadership will help the Lions return to playoff contention, emphasizing the importance of accountability and innovation in the team’s approach moving forward.
Detroit, Michigan – The Detroit Lions have made a significant move by appointing Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, with hopes of revitalizing their offense after a disappointing 2023 season that saw the team miss the playoffs. Petzing, 38, comes to Detroit with a solid background in coaching, particularly from his recent experience with the Arizona Cardinals, where he helmed the offense from 2023 to 2025. The Lions are eager for a fresh direction after parting ways with former offensive coordinator John Morton, who lasted only one season.
Petzing’s track record includes a mixed performance with the Cardinals. The team’s scoring offense ranked 24th in 2023, but a turnaround in 2024 saw them rise to 12th place. Unfortunately, this improvement was short-lived as the offense dropped back to 23rd in 2025. Despite these ups and downs, Petzing’s ability to create a strong rushing attack is noteworthy. During his tenure, the Cardinals were able to finish 4th in rushing yards in 2023 and 7th in 2024, before injuries and a strategic shift to a more pass-heavy game plan in 2025 caused a decline in performance.
With Petzing at the helm, Lions’ head coach Dan Campbell is placing high expectations on his new offensive coordinator. His coaching philosophy emphasizes detail-oriented leadership, and Campbell believes that this approach can help elevate the team back into playoff contention. This objective reflects not only the Lions’ desire for success on the field but also the broader spirit of resilience and innovation that Detroit embodies.
### Previous Experiences and Coaching Journey
Before his tenure with the Arizona Cardinals, Petzing held various coaching positions with two other NFL teams—the Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns. His focus during these stints primarily included the development of tight ends and quarterbacks, showcasing his versatility and ability to work with different offensive players.
### Why Petzing Over Morton?
The decision to make a change in the offensive coordinator position comes after Morton’s one-season tenure, during which the Lions posted a 9-8 record yet failed to make the playoffs. This left many fans and analysts questioning the direction of the team’s offense, prompting a search for a leader with a proven track record to drive the squad toward success.
### Objectives for the Upcoming Season
As Petzing assumes the role of offensive coordinator, he will be tasked with revitalizing the Lions’ offense and bringing about a return to the playoffs. His leadership style, which emphasizes maintaining high standards throughout the week, is critical to instilling a culture of accountability within the team. The franchise is eager to build on the foundation laid in the past few years and move toward a competitive future.
### Community Perspectives on the Change
The Lions’ decision to hire Drew Petzing has stirred excitement among fans and experts alike. Many view this as a necessary step toward building a stronger, more competitive team. Engaged community members recognize the importance of leadership changes in sports and parallel the sentiment with local businesses thriving on innovative leadership and accountability.
### Moving Forward: A Call to Engage
As the Detroit Lions prepare for the upcoming season, the community remains hopeful that Petzing’s expertise will contribute to a more robust performance on the field. This hope extends beyond sports, as the city itself is a testament to the resilience and innovation of its local businesses and entrepreneurs. By supporting the Lions and local enterprises, residents can actively participate in the economic growth and revitalization of Detroit.
### FAQ
Who is Drew Petzing?
Drew Petzing is a 38-year-old football coach with experience as an offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals from 2023 to 2025. He has also held coaching positions with the Minnesota Vikings and the Cleveland Browns, focusing on tight ends and quarterbacks.
What was Petzing’s performance as offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals?
Under Petzing’s leadership, the Cardinals’ offense ranked 24th in scoring in 2023, improved to 12th in 2024, and then dropped to 23rd in 2025. Despite these fluctuations, the team had a strong running game, finishing fourth in rushing yards in 2023 and seventh in 2024. However, in 2025, injuries and a shift towards a pass-heavy offense led to a decline in rushing performance.
Why did the Detroit Lions hire Drew Petzing?
The Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing to revitalize their offense after a season without a playoff appearance. Petzing’s experience and leadership are seen as key factors in helping the team return to the playoffs in the upcoming season.
What happened to the previous offensive coordinator, John Morton?
John Morton served as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator for one season before parting ways with the team. His tenure was marked by a 9-8 season and the team missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
What is expected of Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator?
As the new offensive coordinator, Drew Petzing is expected to lead the Detroit Lions’ offense with a detail-oriented approach, maintaining high standards throughout the week, and to help the team return to the playoffs in the upcoming season.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Previous Experience | Offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals (2023-2025), with prior coaching roles with the Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns. |
| Offensive Performance | Cardinals’ offense ranked 24th in scoring in 2023, improved to 12th in 2024, and dropped to 23rd in 2025; strong running game in 2023 and 2024, but declined in 2025 due to injuries and a pass-heavy approach. |
| Coaching Philosophy | Detail-oriented leadership with a focus on maintaining high standards throughout the week. |
| Objective | To revitalize the Detroit Lions’ offense and lead the team back to the playoffs in the upcoming season. |
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