Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell has publicly shared his enthusiasm regarding the integration of new Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing into the coaching staff. The Lions selected Petzing after parting ways with John Morton following the 2025 season, opting for a candidate with extensive experience.

Petzing's Background and Offensive Appeal

Proven Rushing Attack Designer

Petzing arrives in Detroit after serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals for three seasons. The Lions highly value his creativity and, specifically, his demonstrated ability to design a successful running game.

Campbell has expressed a strong desire for the Lions to re-establish dominance on the ground. While personnel issues contributed to past struggles, the team believes Petzing brings schematic solutions to enhance the rushing attack.

Although Petzing's 2025 run game in Arizona was impacted by injuries to key backs like James Conner, Trey Benson, and Zonovan Knight, his track record remains strong. His offenses ranked seventh in rushing in 2024 and fourth the year before that.

Meshing New Ideas with Existing Staff

Campbell is optimistic about blending Petzing's fresh perspectives with the strengths already established within the incumbent coaching group.

"I love what he did in Arizona, I love what we do here, the things that we do really well," Campbell stated on Monday. "So to be able to mesh those, and him have his own kind of look at it with the staff that’s already here intact, which I really believe in, is gonna be good for us."

Personnel Moves Supporting the New Scheme

The Lions have actively made personnel adjustments to address previous shortcomings. Center Cade Mays was recently acquired, with the team excited about his adaptability across various run schemes.

The team also traded David Montgomery to the Houston Texans, acknowledging that while Montgomery was vital to recent success, his role lessened during the 2025 campaign. To offset this departure, Detroit signed former Kansas City Chief Isiah Pacheco to a one-year contract.

Comprehensive Coaching Knowledge

A Well-Rounded Perspective

Beyond the running game, Petzing offers a broad spectrum of coaching knowledge gained throughout his NFL career, which started as an offensive assistant in Minnesota in 2014.

He has experience leading quarterback, tight end, and wide receiver rooms, among other roles. This comprehensive background is expected to allow Petzing to command the offensive unit with authority.

Campbell emphasized this point, noting Petzing's holistic view of the game. "I love the fact that he understands quarterback play, he understands o-line, he understands backs, receivers, tight ends," Campbell explained. "He’s coached them all. That helps, he’s got the total perspective. Protection, pass-game, run-game, he knows all that. That’s big."