Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson made his stance clear on the doubts surrounding the Detroit Lions’ hiring of Drew Petzing as the team’s new offensive coordinator, after they parted ways with John Morton.
Ben Johnson Raves About New OC Drew Petzing
The Lions failed in their first attempt to replace former offensive coordinator Johnson. Since parting ways with Morton, Detroit will try again to fill the role with Drew Petzing. Out of praise for Petzing, Johnson spoke highly of him while speaking to The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett.
In his statement to Birkett, obtained by Heavy.com, Johnson said, “It wouldn’t surprise me one bit, and I think there’s a reason why Dan [Campbell], from what I could gather, cast a wide net for the offensive coordinator job, and Drew [Petzing] hit the right notes in terms of what he was looking for. That doesn’t surprise me.
“I could see this being a great fit, knowing Dan and knowing Drew both. I think it’s probably a match made in heaven.” The Lions finished 2025 with an 80.5 score per PFSN’s Offense Impact Metric, but that did not help them reach the playoffs. The Lions went 9-8 in the 2025 season and had to watch their division rivals, the Bears and Green Bay Packers, advance while they missed the postseason.
Petzing and Johnson share a close friendship. Petzing was a groomsman at Johnson’s wedding. Johnson left his previous role as Detroit’s offensive coordinator to become Chicago’s head coach. It is fitting that Johnson offered praise for Petzing, considering their relationship.
Johnson’s remarks highlight the strength of their friendship, especially with Petzing taking a position with a division rival. Initially, fan reaction to the Lions hiring Petzing as offensive coordinator was overwhelmingly negative.
Petzing did not achieve significant success during his tenure as offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals. Although the Cardinals’ offense was statistically solid in points and yards in 2024 with Petzing as play-caller, the team lacked talent, and in 2025, Kyler Murray and James Conner sustained injuries.
The 2026 season will be Petzing’s first working with Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Johnson and Campbell worked together for eight years with the Lions and the Miami Dolphins. It is possible Campbell was connected to Petzing through Johnson.
Johnson and Petzing’s friendship dates back to 2010, when both served as graduate assistants at Boston College. Petzing began an internship with the Cleveland Browns in 2013 and then secured a position as an offensive assistant with the Minnesota Vikings in 2014.
Considering Johnson’s comments about Petzing and their close friendship, fans who may have been uneasy about the hiring decision may be reassured. The Lions will look to improve in 2026 after an underwhelming 2025 season.
