The Detroit Lions offense was already one of the NFL’s most dangerous, but with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing calling plays, Detroit could become even more explosive, unpredictable, and harder to defend in 2026.
When the Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, it signaled more than just a coaching change — it hinted at an evolution of the Lions offense. Petzing’s background and offensive philosophy suggest Detroit could become more versatile, more play-action heavy, and even more dangerous in 2026.
Petzing comes from the coaching tree of Kevin Stefanski and worked closely with Nick Chubb in Cleveland and later helped develop an offense in Arizona that featured tight ends and running backs heavily in the passing game. That history should excite Lions fans because Detroit already has the personnel to run a similar system at a high level.
The biggest change Lions fans may notice is an increased emphasis on the run game setting up the pass. The Lions were already a strong rushing team with Jahmyr Gibbs, but Petzing’s system typically uses multiple run looks, motion, and play-action to create mismatches. This could lead to more explosive plays downfield rather than relying on long drives.
This is particularly important for quarterback Jared Goff. Goff has historically played his best football in play-action heavy offenses where he can operate off timing and rhythm. Expect Petzing to design an offense that gets Goff on bootlegs, half-rolls, and quick reads, which should improve efficiency and reduce turnovers. If that happens, Goff could be in line for one of his most efficient seasons yet.
Another major area where Petzing could impact the offense is the tight end position. In Arizona, tight end Trey McBride became a focal point of the passing game and developed into one of the most productive tight ends in football. That could mean a huge season for Sam LaPorta, who already emerged as one of the Lions’ top offensive weapons. Petzing likes to move tight ends around the formation, create mismatches against linebackers and safeties, and use them heavily on intermediate routes across the middle of the field.
Wide receivers should still play a major role, especially Amon-Ra St. Brown, who thrives in the short and intermediate passing game. However, Petzing’s offense may also help unlock more deep opportunities for Jameson Williams through play-action and defensive misdirection.
Overall, the Lions offense may become more balanced and unpredictable. Instead of relying heavily on straight drop-back passing, expect more motion, more two-tight end sets, more play-action, and more designed mismatches. This type of offense can be difficult for defenses to prepare for because it forces them to defend the entire field.
If everything comes together, the Lions offense may not just be good in 2026 — it could be one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL. With the personnel already in place and a coordinator who knows how to maximize tight ends, running backs, and play-action passing, Drew Petzing could be the coach who takes the Detroit offense to another level.
And if that happens, the Lions won’t just be playoff contenders — they could be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.