When an NFL team brings in a new coordinator, it’s often only the first step in reshaping that side of the ball. Coordinators typically lean on trusted assistants they’ve worked with before—coaches who already understand their terminology, philosophy, and expectations. Even though the Detroit Lions have one of the more stable offensive staffs in the league, that doesn’t mean changes are off the table.

Detroit saw this dynamic play out last year when John Morton took over as offensive coordinator and added longtime associate David Shaw to help guide the passing game. With Drew Petzing now poised to step into the OC role, it wouldn’t be surprising if he followed a similar path.

Below are four coaches who could realistically join Petzing in Detroit as he installs his offense.

Ben Steele, Tight Ends Coach – Arizona Cardinals

This connection is the most straightforward. The Lions currently need a tight ends coach after Tyler Roehl departed for Iowa State, and Steele checks several important boxes.

Petzing’s offenses in Arizona leaned heavily on multi-tight-end groupings, making the tight ends position a focal point of the scheme. Steele, who played tight end in the NFL for six seasons, has coached the position throughout Petzing’s tenure as offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, Trey McBride developed into one of the league’s most productive tight ends.

If Steele’s contract situation allows for movement—especially with Arizona still sorting out its head coaching future—he would be a logical candidate to help Detroit maximize Sam LaPorta and further emphasize Petzing’s preferred personnel packages.

Drew Terrell, Pass Game Coordinator / Wide Receivers Coach – Arizona Cardinals

One of the biggest questions surrounding Petzing’s hire is how the Lions will maintain their high-powered passing offense. While Petzing has earned praise for his run-game creativity, Detroit will want to ensure continuity and growth through the air.

With John Morton gone and David Shaw’s future uncertain, Terrell could emerge as a developmental option. He has served as Arizona’s pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach for three seasons. Although the Cardinals’ passing numbers never truly stood out, Terrell worked closely with young receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, both of whom showed steady—if unspectacular—growth.

Before Arizona, Terrell had success in Washington, where he helped Terry McLaurin develop into a top-tier receiver. Detroit already has a respected receivers coach in Scottie Montgomery, so this would not be a clean positional swap. However, if the Lions are planning ahead and want someone deeply familiar with Petzing’s system, Terrell could make sense as a long-term investment.

 Connor Senger, Pass Game Specialist – Arizona Cardinals

Senger is a lesser-known name but fits Detroit’s tendency to develop young coaching talent. A former college quarterback, his coaching career began in 2017, and he entered the NFL in 2022 through the Cardinals’ Bill Bidwill Fellowship program.

Since then, Senger has advanced rapidly—moving from offensive quality control to assistant quarterbacks coach, and most recently to pass game specialist. He has also added valuable experience by coaching in all-star events such as the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl.

While there isn’t a large public résumé to evaluate, Senger’s quick rise and exposure to Petzing’s system could make him an appealing addition in a support role, especially for a franchise that values internal growth and continuity.

Andrew Janocko, Quarterbacks Coach – Seattle Seahawks

This option is more speculative, but the shared history is notable. Janocko and Petzing worked together in Minnesota, overlapping for several seasons early in their careers. Since then, Janocko has steadily climbed the coaching ladder.

His background includes time coaching offensive line, wide receivers, and quarterbacks across multiple organizations. He has worked with a wide range of signal-callers, from young prospects like Justin Fields to veterans such as Derek Carr and Sam Darnold—the latter currently enjoying a resurgence in Seattle.

Janocko also comes from the Klint Kubiak coaching tree, which strongly aligns with Petzing’s offensive roots. While his track record with young quarterbacks has been mixed, his success with experienced passers and his growing reputation could make him an intriguing option if Detroit looks to bolster its pass-game leadership.

If Petzing ultimately brings in familiar faces, it would signal Detroit’s commitment to quickly installing his vision. Whether through direct positional hires or developmental roles, these coaches all represent potential pathways for the Lions as they reshape their offensive staff.