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Petzing's Rapid Rise Sparks NFL Buzz

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 24th 2026 at 13:30 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Michigan, Ohio, UNITED STATES

Allen Park, MI - February 24th, 2026 - Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's effusive praise for quarterbacks coach Drew Petzing continues to reverberate through the NFL, sparking intense speculation about the young coach's rapid ascent and potential future as a head coach or offensive coordinator. Johnson's recent comments, highlighting Petzing's "football IQ, relationship piece, work ethic, and presence," aren't isolated pronouncements; they represent a growing consensus within the Lions organization and across the league that Petzing is a star in the making.

Just two years ago, Petzing was an assistant quarterbacks coach with the Minnesota Vikings. Now, in his second season with the Lions, he's become an integral part of an offense that has revitalized the franchise and propelled them to consecutive playoff appearances. The quickness of his rise is remarkable, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell has openly acknowledged that Petzing is ready for a larger role.

Campbell's assessment - "He's ready to call plays" - is significant. It's rare for a head coach to publicly endorse a position coach in such strong terms, especially concerning play-calling duties. This isn't simply a matter of team loyalty; it's a recognition of genuine talent and preparedness. Several analysts, looking at recent coordinator hires, suggest that experience calling plays, even in practice, is often a deciding factor. Petzing is actively involved in game planning and provides crucial input during practices, effectively serving as an apprentice play-caller under Johnson.

Petzing's skillset, as described by Johnson, extends beyond technical football knowledge. The "relationship piece" is critical in the modern NFL. Building rapport with players, particularly quarterbacks, is paramount to maximizing performance. Petzing has quickly earned the trust of Lions quarterback Jared Goff, a veteran known for his own high football IQ and demanding standards for coaching. Goff has been publicly complimentary of Petzing's ability to translate complex concepts into actionable items, fostering a strong collaborative environment. This is a sharp contrast to some of Goff's earlier experiences with coaching staff in Los Angeles.

The intense competition for qualified offensive coordinators is reshaping the NFL landscape. The demand for innovative, player-friendly coaches who can unlock offensive potential is higher than ever. Recent seasons have seen several young, relatively unknown coaches rise to prominence as coordinators and even head coaches, fueled by successful offenses and a league increasingly focused on offensive firepower. Consider the trajectories of coaches like Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams) and Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers) - both began as relatively unheralded offensive assistants before blossoming into some of the league's most respected figures.

Petzing's background suggests he's well-positioned to follow a similar path. He has worked under accomplished offensive minds, learning from their successes and adapting their philosophies. His time in Minnesota, working alongside then-Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, provided him with valuable experience in a pass-heavy offense. Joining the Lions and collaborating with Johnson, a highly sought-after offensive innovator, has further honed his skills.

While several offensive coordinator positions have already been filled this offseason, expect Petzing's name to surface prominently in the coming years. Many teams are currently undertaking extensive evaluations of potential candidates, and Petzing's resume - coupled with Johnson's unwavering endorsement - makes him a highly attractive prospect. It's likely several teams will interview him during the next cycle.

The Lions, however, face a potential dilemma. While they'll undoubtedly want to retain Petzing, his growing reputation and the inevitable offers he'll receive may prove difficult to overcome. The organization will have to balance its own needs with Petzing's career aspirations, potentially offering him a significant contract extension to keep him in Detroit. The Lions' success hinges not only on talent but on stability within the coaching staff.

Ultimately, Ben Johnson's ringing endorsement isn't just about a colleague; it's about recognizing a future leader in the NFL. Drew Petzing is no longer simply a rising assistant - he's a coach on the cusp of greatness.