The Detroit Lions wasted little time filling their offensive coordinator vacancy, quickly naming Drew Petzing as the successor to John Morton.
The hire carries clear upside for Detroit—and it also complicates matters for the Chicago Bears. Chicago found itself unexpectedly back on the coordinator market on January 30 after offensive coordinator Declan Doyle departed for the Baltimore Ravens, leaving the Bears scrambling later in the offseason cycle.
Had the timing been different, Petzing may have ended up in Chicago alongside head coach Ben Johnson. The two are close personally and professionally, with Petzing even serving as a groomsman at Johnson’s wedding. Instead, Detroit moved first, taking Petzing off the board before Chicago had a chance to pursue him.
With Petzing no longer available, Johnson appears to be shifting his focus to another candidate from the Arizona Cardinals’ coaching pipeline. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the Bears have requested an interview with Connor Senger for their offensive coordinator opening.
Detroit’s Move Alters Chicago’s Plans
According to Mike Payton of A to Z Sports, Petzing would have been a strong candidate to join Johnson’s staff had he been available. Payton noted that Johnson and Petzing share nearly identical offensive philosophies, from how they design the run game to their aggressive approach to play-calling and extensive use of tight ends. By all accounts, the pairing would have been seamless.
Chicago’s interest in Petzing isn’t new. Last offseason, the Bears interviewed him during their head coaching search before ultimately hiring Johnson. Petzing returned to Arizona as offensive coordinator, but the season unraveled, ending with a 3–14 record and the dismissal of head coach Jonathan Gannon.
With Petzing now off the market, the Bears are targeting a coach who brings a similar offensive mindset. Senger has worked his way up Arizona’s staff, previously holding roles in offensive quality control and as an assistant quarterbacks coach before earning a promotion to passing game coordinator in 2025.
At just 30 years old, Senger is viewed as a rising offensive mind. Rapoport reported that he recently called plays at the East-West Shrine Bowl and has also interviewed for quarterback coaching positions with the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers.
Although Johnson will retain play-calling duties in Chicago, Senger would contribute to game planning and offensive design if hired. The Bears’ interest suggests they are still seeking someone influenced by Petzing’s approach—an approach that closely mirrors Johnson’s own.
When Detroit initially hired Petzing, Chicago didn’t have an immediate need at offensive coordinator. In hindsight, the Lions’ decisive move looks even better, as it forced the Bears into a reactive search. Instead of joining Johnson’s staff, Petzing will now face his longtime friend from the opposing sideline—an outcome that ultimately works in Detroit’s favor.
