When an NFL team hires a new offensive coordinator, it’s common for that coach to bring trusted assistants who already understand his system. With the Detroit Lions expected to hire Drew Petzing as their next offensive coordinator, that trend could continue in Allen Park.
Even though the Lions already have a well-established offensive coaching staff, history suggests some changes could still be coming. Last offseason, Detroit allowed then-offensive coordinator John Morton to bring in David Shaw as pass game coordinator, signaling the organization’s openness to fresh voices.
If Petzing officially takes over the Lions’ offense, here are four coaches he could realistically bring to Detroit to help implement his scheme.
- Ben Steele, Tight Ends Coach – Arizona Cardinals
This is the most straightforward potential move.
The Lions currently have an opening at tight ends coach after Tyler Roehl left to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator. That vacancy lines up perfectly with Ben Steele, who has worked closely with Petzing in Arizona.
Steele has served as the Cardinals’ tight ends coach throughout Petzing’s tenure as offensive coordinator, and the results speak for themselves. Under his guidance, Trey McBride developed into one of the NFL’s top tight ends.
Petzing’s offense relies heavily on 12 and 13 personnel (two- and three-tight-end sets), making tight end development a priority. Steele, a former NFL tight end with six years of playing experience, would be a natural fit—and could potentially help take Sam LaPorta’s game to an even higher level in Detroit.
- Drew Terrell, Pass Game Coordinator / WR Coach – Arizona Cardinals
One of the biggest questions surrounding a Petzing-led offense in Detroit is how the passing game will evolve.
While Petzing has earned praise for his run-game creativity, the Lions must maintain their top-10 passing attack. The future of David Shaw is uncertain, especially with Shaw interviewing for other offensive coordinator jobs.
That opens the door for Drew Terrell, who has served as Arizona’s pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach for the past three seasons. Though the Cardinals’ passing offense has been largely average, Terrell has worked with young receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, helping both develop at the NFL level.
Terrell previously had success in Washington, where he helped Terry McLaurin become one of the league’s most respected wideouts.
Detroit already employs a strong receivers coach in Scottie Montgomery, but if the Lions are thinking long-term—or want another coach familiar with Petzing’s system—Terrell could be an intriguing addition.
- Connor Senger, Pass Game Specialist – Arizona Cardinals
The Lions have built a reputation for developing young coaches, and Connor Senger fits that mold perfectly.
A former college quarterback, Senger entered the NFL coaching ranks in 2022 through the Bill Bidwill Fellowship, a diversity-focused program with the Cardinals. Since then, he has risen quickly:
Offensive Quality Control Coach (2023)
Assistant Quarterbacks Coach (2024)
Pass Game Specialist (2025)
Senger has also expanded his résumé by coaching at the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl, gaining exposure to top NFL prospects.
While he doesn’t yet have a long track record, Senger’s rapid rise and familiarity with Petzing’s offense make him a developmental option worth watching if Detroit looks to add youthful coaching talent.
- Andrew Janocko, Quarterbacks Coach – Seattle Seahawks
This one is more speculative, but the connection is real.
Andrew Janocko and Drew Petzing overlapped for five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, forming a professional relationship early in their careers. Since then, Janocko’s coaching stock has steadily climbed.
Janocko’s recent coaching stops include:
Bears QB Coach (2022–23)
Saints QB Coach (2024)
Seahawks QB Coach (2025)
Currently in Seattle, Janocko has helped Sam Darnold enjoy a career resurgence, further boosting his reputation. He also comes from the Klint Kubiak coaching tree, which heavily influences Petzing’s offensive philosophy.
While Janocko’s work with younger quarterbacks has been inconsistent, he’s shown strong results with veterans—and is even being mentioned as a potential future offensive coordinator candidate himself.
If available, Janocko could make sense in a pass-game or quarterbacks-focused role in Detroit.
Final Thoughts
If Drew Petzing becomes the Lions’ next offensive coordinator, Detroit may not overhaul its entire coaching staff—but adding one or two trusted assistants could help smooth the transition.
From tight end development to passing-game continuity, these four coaches represent logical, system-fit options who could help keep the Lions’ offense among the NFL’s best in 2026 and beyond.
