Just when Detroit Lions fans thought they had the full picture surrounding the team’s offensive coordinator search, a new wrinkle has surfaced — and it raises even more questions. Before officially hiring Drew Petzing, the Lions reportedly conducted two offensive coordinator interviews that were never publicly disclosed.
The revelation adds another layer of intrigue to what was already a polarizing hire. Detroit’s OC search appeared transparent on the surface, with several known candidates linked to the job. However, learning that additional interviews took place behind the scenes suggests the process may have been far more complex — and calculated — than initially believed.
For some fans, the news offers a bit of reassurance. It implies the Lions didn’t rush into the decision and explored more options than reported. For others, it only fuels skepticism. If Petzing was ultimately the choice, why keep other interviews under wraps, and what separated him from the candidates fans never even knew existed?
Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes have consistently prioritized fit, trust, and shared vision over public perception. From that standpoint, the secrecy may have been intentional, allowing Detroit to evaluate candidates without outside pressure or media-driven narratives influencing the process.
Still, in an offseason already filled with debate, the discovery of unreported interviews will only intensify scrutiny on Petzing. Fair or not, fans will now wonder who else was considered — and whether one of those unnamed candidates might have been the bolder, safer, or more exciting choice.
Ultimately, answers won’t come through reports or rumors. They’ll come on the field. If the Lions’ offense rebounds and thrives under Petzing, the secrecy will be forgotten. If it struggles, these “unreported” interviews will become a major talking point all over again.
Lions’ OC Hire Gets Murkier: Detroit Quietly Held Two ‘Unreported’ Interviews
