The name wasn’t trending, the reports weren’t leaking, and yet Drew Petzing is now in charge of the Detroit Lions’ offense.
The Detroit Lions’ search for a new offensive coordinator has come to an end.
Detroit has hired Drew Petzing, most recently the offensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals, to run its offense for the 2026 season. The move comes somewhat unexpectedly, as Petzing was not widely reported as a candidate during the Lions’ interview process. Still, his background and offensive résumé offer insight into why Detroit ultimately made the hire.
Petzing, 38, has taken a steady climb through the coaching ranks. His career began in 2009 at Harvard, where he worked as a volunteer assistant. After a one-year stop at Boston College, Petzing made his NFL debut in 2013 as an intern with the Cleveland Browns. From there, his career gained traction.
In 2014, Petzing joined the Minnesota Vikings under head coach Mike Zimmer as an offensive assistant. Over the next six seasons, he steadily earned promotions, serving as assistant wide receivers coach, assistant quarterbacks coach and eventually wide receivers coach by 2019. That stretch helped shape Petzing’s offensive foundation, working alongside several future head coaches and coordinators.
Petzing returned to Cleveland in 2020, rejoining the Browns staff under Kevin Stefanski. From 2020 to 2022, he worked closely with both the tight ends and quarterbacks, gaining experience in multiple position groups and contributing to Cleveland’s offensive development.
In 2023, Petzing was hired by the Arizona Cardinals as offensive coordinator, a role he held through the 2025 season. His three years in Arizona were marked by fluctuation, often tied to quarterback availability and roster turnover. The Cardinals finished 24th in scoring in 2023, improved to 12th in 2024 and fell back to 23rd in 2025.
Arizona’s best offensive season under Petzing came in 2024, when the Cardinals averaged 23.5 points per game and ranked 11th in total offense at 358 yards per contest. That season also coincided with Kyler Murray’s last fully healthy campaign, highlighting Petzing’s ability to maximize his quarterback when personnel was stable.
Statistically, Petzing’s offenses showed a clear identity on the ground. The Cardinals ranked fourth in rushing yards in 2023 and seventh in 2024, finishing second in yards per carry both seasons. Arizona averaged 5.0 yards per rush in 2023 and an impressive 5.3 in 2024. EPA metrics echoed that trend, with Petzing’s rushing offenses ranking 29th in 2023 before jumping to eighth in 2024 and seventh in 2025.
Passing efficiency was more uneven. Arizona finished 20th, 12th and 27th in EPA per dropback during Petzing’s three seasons, reflecting inconsistency in quarterback play and protection.
One of Petzing’s most notable accomplishments was the development of tight end Trey McBride, who emerged as one of the NFL’s premier players at the position under his guidance.
While Petzing does not have a direct coaching connection to Lions head coach Dan Campbell, he does share strong ties with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The two coached together at Boston College and maintain a close personal relationship, one that could influence philosophical continuity in Detroit’s offense.
Now, Petzing takes over a Lions unit seeking stability and growth after another coordinator change. Detroit is betting that his balanced approach, rushing success and experience developing young talent will translate into sustained production in Detroit.