Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took a gamble in January 2026 by naming Drew Petzing as the team’s new offensive coordinator—a move that has already raised eyebrows around the league. Petzing arrives in Detroit after a rough three-season stint with the Arizona Cardinals, where the team finished the 2025–26 campaign with a dismal 3–14 record, per NFL data.
While it’s possible the hire works out, many observers see it as puzzling at best. On paper, Petzing brings experience, but his recent results leave plenty to be desired.
According to the Lions’ official website, Petzing will enter his 14th NFL season in 2026. His résumé includes time with the Cleveland Browns as quarterbacks coach in 2022, tight ends coach from 2020–21, and earlier as a football operations intern in 2013. He also spent several years with the Minnesota Vikings, working as wide receivers coach in 2019, assistant quarterbacks coach in 2018, and assistant wide receivers coach from 2014–17.
Still, the Cardinals’ struggles under his watch are hard to overlook. That track record has led at least one analyst to openly question Campbell’s decision-making—and even suggest that the hire could have long-term consequences for the head coach.
In a January 20 article for A to Z Sports, Mike Payton warned that Campbell may be putting his own future at risk with this move, writing that the Lions’ coach is “betting big” on the offensive coordinator choice.
Payton argued that Detroit should have instead pursued former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, a sentiment shared by others who view McDaniel as a far more proven offensive mind. Why that option didn’t materialize remains unclear. One theory is that Campbell preferred someone less likely to challenge his authority, though that remains speculation. Regardless, Payton—and others—believe the Lions missed an opportunity.
Payton went on to note that patience from fans and ownership may be limited if the offense sputters again. He suggested that supporters won’t be nearly as forgiving as they were during past struggles, and hinted that team owner Sheila Ford Hamp may share that sentiment.
While Payton stopped short of predicting an immediate firing if the 2026 season disappoints, he cautioned that Campbell’s margin for error would shrink significantly. Any goodwill built over recent seasons could begin to erode, and the pressure would quickly intensify.
In other words, another underwhelming 2026–27 campaign could put Campbell squarely on the hot seat.
Time Will Tell if Campbell’s Gamble Pays Off
Despite the skepticism, Payton acknowledged a few positives. For one, the Lions made the decision confidently, not out of desperation or lack of interest from candidates. Detroit also took a measured approach, interviewing nine different applicants before settling on Petzing.
Ultimately, the results will speak for themselves. As Payton put it, the league won’t have to wait long to find out whether Campbell made the right call.
Campbell, for his part, remains optimistic. Speaking after a game against the Chicago Bears, he emphasized his belief that circumstances unfold as they’re meant to.
“I believe things happen for a reason—right, wrong, or indifferent,” Campbell said. “When something like this comes together, I think it can turn out for the best. It’s on Brad [Holmes] and me to make sure it is for the best, with the players we’re counting on.”
He added that while recent success felt good, the work is far from finished—and reality still has to be faced head-on.
