By Moses Joshua 
What initially looked like a surprising hire may turn into a quietly satisfying twist in the NFC North rivalry
The Detroit Lions didn’t take the predictable path in their offensive coordinator search. Instead of chasing a splashy, headline-grabbing name, Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes zigged—landing former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. On the surface, it’s a move that invites skepticism. Arizona won just three games in 2025, after all. But context matters, and once you peel back the layers, this hire starts to look less like a gamble and more like a calculated play—one that could have ripple effects in Chicago.
Why Drew Petzing Is More Than His Record
Judging Petzing solely by the Cardinals’ win total misses the larger picture. Around the league, his reputation has been shaped by process and development, not just outcomes. His work with Kyler Murray during Arizona’s 2024 rebound season raised eyebrows for the right reasons. That year, the Cardinals surged from three wins to eight, and Murray delivered some of the most efficient and confident football of his career.
Injuries and roster limitations eventually caught up with Arizona, but the offensive framework Petzing put in place didn’t go unnoticed. It emphasized balance, adaptability, and quarterback-friendly concepts—traits that resonate with a Lions team built to win with both power and precision.
A Subtle Twist in the Lions–Bears Rivalry
Here’s where the story takes on extra intrigue. Before Detroit brought him aboard, Petzing was firmly on the Chicago Bears’ radar during their head coaching search. Chicago ultimately opted for a more expensive, high-profile solution, backing up the Brinks truck for former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Now, Petzing finds himself in Detroit—armed with a deeper roster and a clearer identity—while the Bears watch from the other side of the rivalry. If Petzing thrives, every productive Sunday in Honolulu blue will double as a quiet reminder of what might have been in Chicago.
A Cultural and Strategic Fit in Detroit
Beyond the rivalry subplot, Petzing checks important boxes internally. He comes from Kevin Stefanski’s run-focused system in Cleveland, which meshes seamlessly with Detroit’s physical, no-nonsense offensive identity. He’s also not an outsider parachuting into a new environment. Petzing has a long-standing relationship with Ben Johnson dating back to their time at Boston College, and the two remain close.
That familiarity matters. It suggests continuity rather than reinvention, allowing the Lions to build on what has worked while adding new wrinkles. In many ways, this hire feels like an evolution of Detroit’s offensive philosophy, not a reset.
Why Chicago Might Feel This One Later
If Petzing clicks—and there’s reason to believe he will—the Lions could end up with a long-term play-caller capable of keeping the offense among the NFC’s elite. And when Chicago comes to town, the stakes will feel just a little higher.
A future Detroit win powered by an offense led by a coach the Bears once pursued wouldn’t just count in the standings. It would sting. Sometimes, the most impactful moves aren’t the loudest ones. For the Bears, this Lions decision has the potential to linger in ways they won’t love if Petzing turns Detroit’s “curveball” into a home run.