When the Detroit Lions hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, the reaction wasn’t just limited to fans and media — coaches around the NFL started talking too. And what’s coming back from current and former NFL minds reveals something deeper than typical offseason chatter.
From praise for his scheme versatility to open questions about how he’ll adapt to the pressure cooker in Detroit, coaches are giving honest takes — not just recycled talking points.
Praise for Football Intelligence
Several league staffers who’ve crossed paths with Petzing describe him as a bright football mind — someone who knows how to structure game plans, adjust protections, and teach quarterbacks how to read defenses. That kind of endorsement matters, especially coming from coaches who’ve worked with him directly or studied his schemes.
Coaches emphasis that he’s not copying and pasting old playbooks — he builds adaptable systems.
Respect for Development Work
One of the consistent themes in the coaching room is Petzing’s track record with player development. A few veteran assistants pointed to his ability to bring along young quarterbacks and skill players, helping them simplify their reads and play with confidence. That’s something Lions fans have been craving for years — a coordinator who isn’t afraid to teach, not just call plays.
Skepticism About Big-Game Adjustments
Of course, not all commentary is glowing praise. A handful of former position coaches raised realistic questions about Petzing’s ability to make in-game adjustments at the highest level — especially in must-win situations. That’s common for young offensive coordinators stepping into their first high-stakes NFL role, and it’s not meant as a knock — just context.
Experienced coaches stress this is where many OC careers are defined.
Veteran Coaches See an Opportunity
A few seasoned mentors noted that Petzing’s fresh perspective could actually be an advantage. NFL offenses have begun to converge stylistically, and younger minds unafraid to mesh concepts — from tempo to spacing to matched personnel groupings — might have an edge. One coach put it simply: “He gets it, and he’s not afraid to innovate.”
The Bottom Line
Across the board, NFL coaching voices aren’t treating Petzing as a low-priority hire — they’re watching. The praise leans toward his preparation, teaching ability, and schematic flexibility. The questions center on experience and adjustment in high-pressure moments.
But that’s exactly why Detroit could benefit the most.
In a league where predictability is the enemy, the Lions didn’t just hire a play-caller — they brought in someone coaches say can shape the offense his way.
And when other NFL minds are talking about your coordinator,
you know he isn’t just another name on a press release. 🦁🔥
What Current and Former NFL Coaches Are Saying About Lions OC Drew Petzing
