The Detroit Lions’ initial attempt to replace former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was unsuccessful. 2025 OC John Morton has already left the Lions.
Drew Petzing will serve as the Lions’ offensive coordinator once more in 2026. Johnson believes, ironically, that it’s an excellent addition.
Johnson gushed about Petzing in an interview with Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press.
“From a knowledge standpoint, from a connection standpoint, I believe he’s going to blow those players away,” Johnson said to Birkett. “I have every reason to believe that the attack will be performing at a high level next year.
“From what I could tell, Dan [Campbell] cast a wide net for the offensive coordinator position, and Drew [Petzing] struck the proper tone in terms of what he was searching for. It wouldn’t surprise me at all, and I believe there’s a reason why. ” That’s not unexpected.
“Knowing Dan and knowing Drew, I could see this being a perfect fit. I think it’s likely a match made in paradise.
After serving as the Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator for three seasons, Petzing joined Detroit this offseason.
Last year, Johnson quit his post as the Lions’ offensive coordinator to take over as the Chicago Bears’ head coach.
Drew Petzing received high praise from Ben Johnson.
Johnson and Petzing are known to be good friends. Johnson’s wedding included Petzing as a groomsman.
As a result, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Johnson spoke favorably of Petzing.
Nonetheless, it’s remarkable that Johnson continues to receive such great public recognition, especially given that Petzing has taken over his previous role for a divisional competitor.
The Lions’ recruitment of Petzing drew an initially extremely unfavorable response from supporters. As the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, Petzing’s performance was not very impressive. With Petzing as the play-caller, 2024 was the unit’s best statistical year, as the offense ranked 11th in yards and 12th in points.
However, the Cardinals were short on talent, particularly after key players like Kyler Murray and James Conner sustained injuries in 2025.
The Cardinals’ offense received little assistance from its defense or special teams. With backup signal-caller Jacoby Brissett starting 12 games, Arizona topped the league in pass attempts last season.
Petzing and Johnson’s Relationship
Petzing has never before collaborated with Lions head coach Dan Campbell. However, Johnson played for the Lions and Miami Dolphins for eight years under Campbell.
Through Johnson, it’s conceivable that Campbell made contact with Petzing during the offseason.
Petzing and Johnson have known each other since before his tenure with Campbell. Both the team’s current OC and former Lions offensive coordinator were graduate assistants at Boston College in 2010.
As young, entry-level assistants for the ACC program, they spent two years working together.
In 2013, Petzing completed an internship with the Cleveland Browns. In 2014, he then joined the Minnesota Vikings as an offensive assistant.
He held several offensive jobs for the Vikings and Browns between 2014 and 2022 before joining the Cardinals as their offensive coordinator.
With 19th place in yards gained and 23rd place in points scored, Arizona concluded the season in 2025. The Cardinals also led the league in passes and were seventh in both passing yards and passing touchdowns.
