By Moses Joshua 
Why the Lions admired an offensive mastermind — and still chose a different path
When the Detroit Lions finalized Drew Petzing as their next offensive coordinator, the reaction was swift and divided. Many fans immediately zeroed in on the name that wasn’t chosen: Mike McDaniel. Given his reputation as one of the NFL’s most innovative offensive thinkers, the assumption was simple — if McDaniel was available, why wouldn’t Detroit grab him?
As it turns out, the answer isn’t about rejection, politics, or a power struggle. It’s about fit.
What the Reporting Actually Says
McDaniel did, in fact, interview for the Lions’ offensive coordinator position last Tuesday, and by most accounts, the meeting went well. But according to ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, the outcome was never trending toward a finish line.
“Of coordinator jobs that Mike McDaniel has interviewed for, the Lions gig was the least likely to materialize,” Darlington wrote. “Campbell liked McDaniel a lot, but Lions didn’t view it as quite the right fit for them.”
That distinction matters. Liking a coach and hiring a coach are two very different things — especially for an organization that has spent years carefully shaping its identity.
No Power Struggle Behind the Scenes
Some interpreted Darlington’s wording as a sign that Dan Campbell wanted McDaniel but was overruled by others in the building. That conclusion doesn’t quite hold up.
The phrase “the Lions” almost certainly includes Campbell himself. In NFL hiring rooms, especially ones as unified as Detroit’s, decisions like this aren’t made in isolation. It’s entirely possible — and far more likely — that Campbell admired McDaniel’s football mind while also recognizing that the match wasn’t perfect for where the team is right now.
You can respect a candidate without believing they’re the right answer.
Style, Substance, and the Lions’ Identity
So why wasn’t the fit right?
One theory centers on philosophy. McDaniel’s offenses are often associated with speed, motion, and creative misdirection. Detroit, meanwhile, has built its resurgence on physicality, power, and imposing its will — particularly up front. While McDaniel has shown adaptability when personnel allows, the Lions may have viewed his approach as requiring too much of a schematic or philosophical shift.
There’s also the practical side. Detroit isn’t looking to reinvent its offense. With Jared Goff entrenched, elite skill players in place, and a Super Bowl window already open, the Lions appear to favor refinement over overhaul. A major change in terminology, structure, or play-calling rhythm may have felt unnecessary — or even counterproductive.
Personality, communication style, and quarterback synergy could have played roles as well. None of those factors reflect poorly on McDaniel. They simply underscore how specific Detroit’s vision has become.
The Key Takeaway
One thing from Darlington’s reporting stands out clearly: Detroit chose not to move forward with Mike McDaniel — not the other way around.
That doesn’t diminish McDaniel’s standing around the league, nor does it suggest Detroit made a mistake. It highlights something far more important: the Lions know exactly who they are, what they want, and how carefully they’re protecting the culture that got them here.
Sometimes the smartest decision isn’t hiring the biggest name — it’s hiring the right fit.