The Detroit Lions enter the offseason in a position of both promise and peril. After ascending to perennial contender status, thanks in large part to the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell, the franchise’s most recent personnel decision has sparked criticism and fresh questions about his job security.
The choice to hire Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator has drawn skepticism given Petzing’s underwhelming tenure with the Arizona Cardinals.
One analyst has even suggested this move could put Campbell‘s future in Detroit in jeopardy if the Lions stumble again.
Campbell’s tenure has been defined by dramatic transformation. When he took over as head coach in 2021, the Lions were mired in decades of dysfunction.
Under his guidance, Detroit has posted consecutive division titles and a franchise-record 15-2 regular season, even reaching the NFC Championship Game before falling short.
Such success reshaped the narrative around the organization and Campbell‘s status as a coach capable of leading a perennial contender.
But despite that turnaround, patience among fans and media isn’t infinite — a reality the Lions‘ leadership now confronts.
Risky hire reignites scrutiny
The hiring of Petzing in January was met with head-scratching from outside observers.
Petzing’s previous stint as offensive coordinator with the Cardinals coincided with one of the worst records in the league, as Arizona went 3-14 in the 2025 NFL season.
Critics say that the background makes the appointment questionable, especially given how crucial offensive performance is to maintaining Detroit’s upward trajectory.
Had Detroit pursued a higher-profile candidate such as Mike McDaniel, the optics might be more reassuring to fans and ownership alike.
If Petzing‘s tenure flops, Campbell’s previously robust goodwill could erode quickly.
Campbell, for his part, has publicly backed the move and voiced confidence in Petzing‘s fit with the team’s culture and offensive philosophy. However, with mounting expectations, the margin for error is undeniably tighter than ever before.
What’s at stake for Detroit in 2026 after this hire?
Detroit‘s offense had been one of the NFL‘s most potent units during its recent peak seasons.
In 2024, for example, the Lions led the league in total points scored (564) and posted a 15-2 record. While all statistics don’t directly translate year-to-year, they illustrate the expectations that now accompany this franchise.
Meanwhile, Campbell‘s aggressive coaching style, emphasized by the fact that he leads the NFL in fourth-down attempts since becoming the Lions‘ head coach, has become emblematic of Detroit’s identity.
That boldness has paid dividends, with strong conversion rates and a confident locker room that believes in him. However, consistency at the coordinator level is critical.
Transitioning to a less proven play-caller introduces risk, particularly in an offense led by key contributors such as quarterback Jared Goff and star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, whose chemistry and performance are integral to sustained success.
Critics will be watching closely in the 2026 season, especially if the offensive output dips or the team falters in critical moments.
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