Who Is Drew Petzing? 5 Key Facts About the Lions’ New Offensive Playcaller
The Detroit Lions have found their next offensive leader, hiring Drew Petzing as the team’s new offensive coordinator ahead of the 2026 NFL season.
At just 38 years old, Petzing will take over playcalling duties for one of the NFL’s most talented offenses. The move comes after Detroit parted ways with John Morton following only one season. Petzing’s hiring surprised many, as he was not among the most frequently reported candidates, which included Mike McDaniel, Jake Peetz, Tee Martin, Zac Robinson, and Arthur Smith.
Petzing arrives in Detroit after serving as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator since 2023, becoming the fourth offensive coordinator under head coach Dan Campbell since 2021. As the Lions begin a new chapter on offense, here are five key things to know about Drew Petzing.
- Drew Petzing Led One of the NFL’s Most Efficient Rushing Attacks in Arizona
Under Petzing, the Cardinals produced two of the best rushing seasons in franchise history. Arizona rushed for 2,365 yards in 2023 and 2,451 yards in 2024, with the latter season featuring a franchise-record 5.29 yards per carry, which ranked 16th all-time in NFL history.
Over those two seasons, Arizona was one of only two NFL teams to average at least five yards per carry, highlighting Petzing’s effectiveness as a run-game architect.
- Petzing’s Offenses Emphasize Balance, Not Just the Run Game
While the rushing attack stood out, Petzing’s offenses were far from one-dimensional. In 2024, the Cardinals ranked 11th in the NFL in total offense, piling up 6,090 total yards.
Quarterback Kyler Murray enjoyed one of the most efficient seasons of his career, throwing for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, while posting a 93.5 passer rating. Running back James Conner added 1,094 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
- Trey McBride Made NFL History in Drew Petzing’s Offense
Tight end Trey McBride thrived under Petzing’s system and made NFL history in 2024. McBride caught 111 passes for 1,146 yards, the fourth-most receptions by a tight end in league history.
He also became the first tight end ever to record back-to-back games with at least 12 receptions, and the first to accomplish that feat three times in a single season.
- Drew Petzing Has a Personal Connection to Former Lions OC Ben Johnson
Petzing shares a close personal relationship with Ben Johnson, the Lions’ former offensive coordinator and current Chicago Bears head coach. While the two never coached together, they are longtime friends, and Petzing even served as a groomsman in Johnson’s wedding.
That connection likely gave Petzing insight into what it’s like to coach in Detroit under Dan Campbell.
- Petzing Helped Develop Elite Wide Receivers in Minnesota
Before his time in Arizona, Petzing played a role in developing top receivers with the Minnesota Vikings. As wide receivers coach in 2019, he helped Stefon Diggs post a career-high 1,130 receiving yards.
Earlier, as an assistant receivers coach in 2017, Petzing helped Adam Thielen earn Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after catching 91 passes for 1,276 yards and four touchdowns.
