The Detroit Lions are about to experience one of the NFL’s more bizarre scheduling twists.

According to Mike Payton, Detroit is slated to face nine teams that will be breaking in brand-new offensive coordinators next season. Nine teams adjusting on the fly. Among them is a familiar rival the Lions see twice every year — the Chicago Bears.

Chicago’s offensive overhaul began when Declan Doyle departed for a lateral role with the Baltimore Ravens, leaving first-year Bears head coach Ben Johnson with an unexpected coordinator vacancy. As Johnson surveys his options, one reality stands out: some of the most logical candidates already work in Detroit.

Drew Petzing Fit Johnson’s Blueprint — Until Detroit Beat Chicago to Him

If Johnson were sketching out his ideal coordinator profile, Drew Petzing would’ve checked nearly every box.

The relationship between the two is well established. Petzing stood in Johnson’s wedding, and the pair crossed paths professionally at Boston College. Their offensive philosophies mirror one another — prioritize the run game, pressure defenses vertically, and feature tight ends as primary weapons rather than secondary options.

From a schematic standpoint, Petzing would’ve blended seamlessly into what Johnson hopes to install in Chicago. It would have felt less like a transition and more like a continuation.

That plan unraveled when Dan Campbell acted first, bringing Petzing to Detroit.

NFL opportunities are often decided by timing, and this time it tilted in the Lions’ favor. Chicago had already shown interest in Petzing last offseason, even interviewing him for its head coaching vacancy. But he was entrenched with the Cardinals, and a sideways move wasn’t realistic. When circumstances finally changed, Detroit was quicker to the table.

Petzing Isn’t Detroit’s Only Potential Connection for Johnson

Even with Petzing no longer an option, Johnson has ample reason to keep Detroit on his radar.

Scottie Montgomery, Detroit’s assistant head coach and wide receivers coach, stands out as another intriguing possibility. Montgomery is one of Campbell’s most trusted lieutenants and plays a significant role in shaping the Lions’ offensive identity. His leadership experience and offensive background would be appealing to a new head coach assembling his first staff.

Montgomery brings a blend of modern passing concepts, player development experience, and an understanding of how to pair physical football with inventive design. For Johnson, a coordinator who can command a room, organize an offense, and still innovate creatively could be invaluable.

Unlike Petzing, hiring Montgomery would represent a true step up — not a lateral shift — which could make the move far more realistic.

Continuity Could Be Detroit’s Hidden Edge

With so many opponents adjusting to new play-callers, the Lions’ continuity could quietly pay dividends. New systems require time to settle. New coordinators reveal tendencies. Mistakes happen before rhythm is established.

Chicago won’t benefit from that learning curve when facing Detroit.

Whether it’s Petzing contributing to Detroit’s game-planning or Montgomery influencing offensive concepts Johnson already understands, the Lions possess an internal familiarity with the Bears’ philosophical direction. That insight won’t guarantee victories, but it undeniably shapes preparation.

Hank Fraley Still Lingers in the Background

No discussion of Johnson and Detroit’s staff would be complete without mentioning Hank Fraley.

At one point, Fraley was widely viewed as Johnson’s preferred target for Chicago. Detroit responded swiftly, rewarding Fraley with a raise and reaffirming his importance to the organization. Still, financial bumps don’t completely shut the door on future conversations.

If the Bears circle back, Detroit could again be forced to intervene — or trust that stability, culture, and opportunity are enough to keep Fraley anchored.

A Quiet Chess Match Inside the NFC North

Johnson will eventually finalize his offensive staff. Chicago will install its system and attempt to gain ground within the division.

Yet the subtext is hard to ignore.

Between Petzing, Montgomery, and Fraley, Detroit has become an unexpected centerpiece in Chicago’s coaching calculus. Whether the Lions retain their staff or see pieces pulled away, the strategic maneuvering is already underway — well before the teams meet on the field in 2026.

In the NFC North, some of the most impactful battles unfold in film rooms and meeting spaces long before kickoff on Sunday.