The Detroit Lions officially moved on from offensive coordinator John Morton after just one season, a decision that surprised few around the league. Morton’s play-calling duties were stripped midway through the year, and his dismissal at season’s end felt inevitable.

Detroit quickly replaced him with former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, a hire that has sparked mixed reactions across the fan base. While some supporters are willing to wait and see how things play out, others have voiced skepticism — and Amon-Ra St. Brown clearly isn’t a fan of that criticism.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Calls Out Lions Fans Over OC Hire

On a recent episode of the “St. Brown Podcast,” the Lions’ star wide receiver took aim at fans questioning the Petzing hire, suggesting many don’t fully understand football operations.

“I see crazy Lions fans talking crazy, like, ‘Oh, why would we do this?’ Bro, do you guys have no trust in Dan, in the Lions?” St. Brown said. “You think they would just hire a random dude? Be for real.”

St. Brown continued by implying that fans criticizing the move lack real football knowledge.

“Most of you guys don’t know really much about anything, about any ball,” he added. “And you’re tweeting about a coach that was hired that you guys don’t like because of X, Y, Z.”

While St. Brown attempted to soften his comments by reiterating his love for Lions fans, the damage was already done. Many supporters didn’t appreciate being told to “relax” after another disappointing season.

Lions Fans Fire Back on Social Media

Unsurprisingly, St. Brown’s remarks were met with immediate pushback online.

“Sit this out, Amon-Ra… you were never a Lions fan before the draft,” one fan wrote.

Another pointed to recent failures within the organization:
“His last OC had play-calling duties taken away halfway through the season and was fired. There’s a reason to be skeptical.”

Others highlighted rising costs and accountability concerns.
“He fired Morton before half a season was over. Fans absolutely have the right to question hires — especially after a 20% season ticket increase.”

One response summed up the frustration bluntly:
“They just hired a guy last year that didn’t work out. Let’s not pretend this organization is above criticism.”

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Detroit Lions Fans Have Every Right to Question Coaching Hires

While St. Brown’s loyalty to the organization is understandable, his comments overlook the Lions’ recent coaching track record. Under Dan Campbell, Detroit has already cycled through offensive coordinators, including Anthony Lynn and John Morton, both of whom lasted just one season.

Lynn’s tenure was particularly rough, finishing with a 3-13-1 record, officially ranking him among the least successful offensive coordinators in franchise history.

That history alone explains why fans are hesitant to blindly endorse another offensive coordinator hire — especially after the team missed the playoffs and failed to meet expectations in 2025.

While it’s fair to reserve judgment on Drew Petzing until he’s had a chance to implement his system, dismissing fan concerns by saying they “don’t know ball” only widens the gap between players and supporters.

For a franchise with just five playoff wins since 1957 and zero Super Bowl appearances, skepticism isn’t negativity — it’s earned caution.

As one of the team’s leaders, St. Brown would be better served acknowledging that frustration rather than talking down to the very fan base that has endured decades of disappointment.