Drew Petzing: Lions' Rising Coaching Star

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  Sports and Competition on Tue, Feb 24th, 2026 by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Allen Park, MI - February 24th, 2026 - As the Detroit Lions prepare to build on their recent success, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson continues to field head coaching inquiries, a quieter, yet increasingly pivotal figure is gaining recognition: quarterbacks coach Drew Petzing. Johnson's recent public endorsement of Petzing - calling him "amazing" and highlighting his ability to connect with players and distill complex concepts - has amplified speculation that Petzing is not just a valuable assistant, but a potential heir apparent to the offensive coordinator role, and even a future head coaching candidate himself.

Petzing, who joined the Lions in 2021 as a coaching assistant, has steadily risen through the ranks. His journey mirrors the Lions' own resurgence, a climb from rebuilding to legitimate Super Bowl contention. While Johnson rightly receives much of the acclaim for designing and implementing the team's explosive offensive scheme, those within the organization consistently point to Petzing's crucial role in its execution and, importantly, in the development of quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Hooker's impressive 2025 season, which saw him break several franchise records and lead the Lions to a deep playoff run, wouldn't have been possible without Petzing's focused coaching. Sources within the organization describe Petzing as possessing an exceptional ability to diagnose a player's strengths and weaknesses, tailoring his instruction to maximize their potential. Unlike some coaches who favor a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach, Petzing emphasizes individualized learning plans, fostering a strong rapport with his players.

The Lions' offensive system, known for its intricate play-action passing and creative run schemes, demands a high level of communication and understanding amongst the coaching staff. Johnson's comments explicitly stated Petzing's "knack for connecting with the guys" and his contribution to game planning - a testament to his ability to effectively collaborate and translate Johnson's vision into actionable strategies. This isn't simply about explaining plays; it's about understanding how each player interprets the scheme and adapting on the fly during games.

With Johnson actively interviewing for multiple head coaching positions - most recently with the Carolina Panthers, and rumored to be in talks with the Chicago Bears - the question of succession planning in Detroit is becoming increasingly pressing. While the Lions are undoubtedly committed to retaining Johnson if possible, they are also pragmatic and preparing for all eventualities. Multiple NFL analysts now consider Petzing the frontrunner to inherit the offensive coordinator duties should Johnson depart.

However, Petzing's potential isn't limited to staying in Detroit. His rapid ascent and proven ability to work with quarterbacks have already attracted interest from other teams. Several organizations are reportedly monitoring his progress, viewing him as a potential future head coach in the mold of Sean McVay - a young, offensive-minded leader capable of building a culture of success. The success of coaches like McVay and Kyle Shanahan has highlighted the value of offensive coordinators with strong quarterback development skills, and Petzing clearly fits that profile.

Beyond his technical expertise, Petzing is described as a dedicated and humble leader. He avoids the spotlight, preferring to focus on his work and support his players. This understated approach, combined with his impressive football IQ, has earned him the respect of both the coaching staff and the players.

Looking ahead, the Lions face a crucial offseason. Retaining key players and building on their momentum will be paramount. Whether Ben Johnson remains at the helm or not, Drew Petzing is poised to play a critical role in the team's future. His quiet brilliance may soon be recognized on a much larger stage, potentially leading him to a head coaching opportunity of his own. The Lions' offensive success is a team effort, but Drew Petzing is undeniably one of the architects behind it - and a name to watch in the coming years.