The Detroit Lions made a bold and controversial decision in January 2026 by hiring Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator. While the move could pay off, early reactions suggest it may also become a defining moment for Dan Campbell’s future in Detroit.

Petzing arrives after a disappointing three-year stretch with the Arizona Cardinals, capped by a 3–14 record in the 2025-26 season, according to NFL statistics. That résumé has led to skepticism around the league and among analysts who question whether Campbell made the right call.

Drew Petzing’s Coaching Background Raises Questions

According to the Lions’ official website, Petzing enters his 14th NFL season in 2026 with experience that includes:

Cleveland Browns

Quarterbacks coach (2022)

Tight ends coach (2020–21)

Football operations intern (2013)

Minnesota Vikings

Wide receivers coach (2019)

Assistant quarterbacks coach (2018)

Assistant wide receivers coach (2014–17)

Despite his lengthy coaching résumé, Petzing’s recent results in Arizona remain hard to overlook, fueling concern that the Lions may have taken an unnecessary gamble.

NFL Analyst Says Campbell Is “Risking It All”

In a January 20 feature for A to Z Sports, NFL analyst Mike Payton strongly criticized the decision.

“Dan Campbell is risking it all with the Lions’ offensive coordinator hire,” Payton wrote.

Payton argued that Detroit should have pursued former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel instead, believing he would have been a safer and more proven choice. Others have echoed that sentiment, suggesting Campbell may have preferred a coordinator who would not challenge his authority.

Another Losing Season Could Put Campbell on the Hot Seat

Payton also warned that patience in Detroit may be wearing thin.

“Fans won’t be as forgiving as they were with Morton,” Payton said. “Sheila Ford Hamp probably isn’t either.”

While Payton stopped short of predicting Campbell’s firing, he suggested the consequences could be serious if the hire fails.

“The trust he’s built will begin to fade. The leash will get shorter, and the seat will begin to get hot.”

If the Lions struggle again in the 2026–27 season, Campbell could find himself under increased pressure from both fans and ownership.

Lions Took Their Time in Hiring Petzing

Despite the criticism, Payton acknowledged there are positives.

“Campbell and the Lions made a move they feel good about,” he wrote. “They interviewed nine candidates and took their time before landing on the guy they liked the most. We’ll see soon enough if he was the right guy.”

The organization insists the decision was made deliberately and without outside pressure.

Dan Campbell Defends the Decision

Campbell remains confident in the process and outcome.

“I believe that things happen for a reason, right or wrong or indifferent,” Campbell said after the Chicago Bears game. “It’s up to Brad Holmes and I to make it for the best.”

He added:

“As good as it felt to get that, let’s call it what it is.”

Campbell’s message was clear: the responsibility rests with him and general manager Brad Holmes to ensure the move succeeds.