DETROIT — New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has made a positive early impression on the Detroit Lions as the team wrapped up the first set of OTAs, according to quarterback Jared Goff. Petzing, hired in January to replace John Morton, has drawn praise for his command of the room and his approach to balancing play volume with attacking defenses.
Goff said Petzing brings more than schematic knowledge, noting the coordinator understands how to balance simple concepts with more complex ones, install plays and keep energy high. “It’s a lot more to it than just drawing up plays and I think he’s got that extra part to it,” Goff said after OTAs.
Petzing comes to Detroit after three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator (2023-25). He is entering his 14th NFL season and has held multiple positions across the league, including quarterbacks coach, tight ends coach and various roles with the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings dating back to 2013.
Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who missed OTAs last summer after offseason knee surgery, said he is fully healthy and eager to build chemistry with Petzing. “It’s still early, it’s only been three practices but just being able to sit in the meeting rooms, being out there with him, talking with him, I think it’s going to be great for us,” St. Brown said.
Coach Dan Campbell cited Petzing’s adaptability as a key asset, saying the coordinator can adjust on the fly and coaches multiple positions. Campbell emphasized Petzing’s ability to lay out a clear plan for the staff and praised his consistency. The Lions’ offense finished 2025 among the league leaders in points per game (28.3) but struggled to find an identity beyond home-run plays, a challenge Petzing and the staff will address this season.
