By Moses Joshua 
Familiar faces could quietly help Detroit transition into its next offensive era
When an NFL team brings in a new coordinator, the move rarely stops with just one hire. Coaches trust familiarity, shared language, and system continuity—and Drew Petzing’s arrival in Detroit could open the door for a few well-known collaborators to follow him to Allen Park.
The Lions already have a strong positional coaching foundation, but history suggests they won’t hesitate to make targeted changes if it helps accelerate a new offensive vision. Just last year, former offensive coordinator John Morton brought longtime friend David Shaw with him as pass game coordinator, underscoring Detroit’s openness to calculated additions.
With Petzing set to install his system, here are four coaches who could realistically end up joining him on the Lions’ staff.
Ben Steele: A Natural Fit at Tight Ends Coach
This is the cleanest and most logical connection.
Detroit currently has an opening at tight ends coach after Tyler Roehl departed to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator. That vacancy aligns perfectly with Petzing’s offensive identity, which heavily features 12- and 13-personnel packages.
Ben Steele has been Petzing’s tight ends coach throughout his tenure as offensive coordinator in Arizona. A former NFL tight end himself, Steele played a key role in the rise of Trey McBride, who developed into one of the league’s premier weapons at the position.
If Steele is available—Arizona’s coaching situation remains unsettled—he would bring immediate continuity and could potentially help elevate Sam LaPorta’s game even further in Detroit’s already dangerous offense.
Drew Terrell: A Young Mind With Pass-Game Upside
One of the bigger questions surrounding Petzing’s hire is where Detroit’s passing-game influence will come from.
While Petzing’s run-game innovation is widely respected, the Lions still need to protect a top-tier aerial attack. With John Morton gone and David Shaw’s future uncertain after interviewing for the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator job, Detroit may explore new voices.
Drew Terrell, Arizona’s pass game coordinator and wide receivers coach, is an intriguing developmental option. His Cardinals offenses produced mixed results, and the growth of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson hasn’t fully matched expectations. Still, Terrell’s earlier success in Washington—where he helped Terry McLaurin become a star—suggests untapped upside.
Detroit already has a strong receivers coach in Scottie Montgomery, so this wouldn’t be a necessity. But if the Lions are thinking long-term and want someone deeply familiar with Petzing’s system, Terrell could make sense.
Connor Senger: A Fast-Rising Developmental Coach
Connor Senger may not be a household name, but his trajectory is worth watching.
A former college quarterback, Senger entered coaching in 2017 and reached the NFL in 2022 through the Bill Bidwill Fellowship, a program designed to expand opportunities for minority coaches. Since then, his rise has been rapid: offensive quality control coach, assistant quarterbacks coach, and most recently, pass game specialist in 2025.
He has also gained valuable exposure through coaching stints at the Senior Bowl and Shrine Bowl, a sign of growing league-wide respect.
Detroit has shown a willingness to invest in developing coaches, not just players. If Petzing wants a young, moldable assistant who already speaks his offensive language, Senger fits the profile.
Andrew Janocko: A Familiar Name From the Kubiak Tree
This one is more speculative—but fascinating.
Andrew Janocko and Petzing crossed paths during their time in Minnesota, overlapping for five seasons. Since then, Janocko’s résumé has steadily grown, with experience coaching offensive line, wide receivers, and quarterbacks across multiple teams.
Now with the Seahawks, Janocko has helped Sam Darnold enjoy another career resurgence. His background ties directly into the Klint Kubiak coaching tree, which heavily influences Petzing’s offensive philosophy.
Janocko’s track record with young quarterbacks has been uneven, but he has consistently done strong work with veterans like Derek Carr and Darnold. Some around the league even view him as a potential offensive coordinator candidate if opportunities open up.
Whether he’d leave Seattle for a lateral role is uncertain, but from a schematic and philosophical standpoint, the connection makes sense.
The Bigger Picture
None of these potential additions would qualify as splashy hires—and that’s exactly why they fit Detroit’s approach.
Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have consistently prioritized cohesion, trust, and long-term development over headline-chasing moves. If Drew Petzing does bring familiar coaches with him, it won’t be about comfort—it’ll be about efficiency, alignment, and building an offense that doesn’t lose momentum during transition.
Sometimes, the smartest coaching moves happen quietly.