Drew Petzing Installed as Lions' Play-Caller to Build a Physical, Multiple Offense

The hire signals a tactical shift that will test whether Petzing’s scheme fits Detroit’s personnel and revives an underperforming attack.

Overview

Drew Petzing was hired this offseason as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator and will serve as the team’s lone play-caller for the 2026 season.
Petzing says he will run a tough, multiple offense that leans on downhill running and deep play-action designed to make run and pass plays look the same to confuse defenders.
ESPN and NFL Next Gen Stats show a key tactical contrast: Petzing’s Cardinals used fewer snaps under center (29%) and less motion (45%) from 2023–25, while the Lions have favored under-center snaps (48%) and motion (67%) since 2021.
Players and coach Dan Campbell have praised Petzing’s rapport with the roster, with Jahmyr Gibbs and Jared Goff publicly endorsing the scheme and early collaboration.
The Lions enter the change with a top-tier roster but a 9–8, nonplayoff 2025 season, so on-field results in the regular season will determine if Petzing’s approach improves play-calling, personnel use, and scoring.