Drew Petzing: Stats | Record | Who Is He | Coaching History | Lions 

In the fast-paced world of the NFL, offensive minds shape how teams win games — and one such emerging offensive mind is Drew Petzing. Renowned for versatility, a deep offensive background, and rising through the coaching ranks, Petzing is now tasked with leading one of the most dynamic offenses in the league as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. But who is Drew Petzing? What has he done in the NFL? And why are analysts and fans buzzing about his appointment? In this comprehensive article, we’ll dig deep into his stats, career, coaching history, record, and new role with the Lions.

1. Early Life and Playing Background

Born on March 12, 1987, in Rochester, New York, Drew Petzing developed his football roots in the Northeast. He attended Middlebury College, where he played defensive back for the Panthers in 2005 and 2006 before injuries forced him out of playing. Despite being sidelined early, Petzing’s passion for the game transitioned quickly into a coaching path — starting as a student assistant while finishing his college degree in economics.

2. Coaching Career Beginnings

College Coaching Roots

Petzing’s journey began in collegiate football — a path many NFL coaches share:

• Harvard University (2009): Volunteer assistant.

• Boston College (2010–2011): Graduate assistant.

• Yale University (2012): Outside linebackers coach.

These early positions shaped his foundation in football strategy and player development before making the leap to the NFL.

3. Rise Through the NFL Coaching Ranks

Cleveland Browns (2013)

Petzing’s first NFL role came as a football operations intern with the Cleveland Browns. Though entry-level, this role marked the start of his NFL coaching trajectory.

Minnesota Vikings (2014–2019)

Petzing’s development accelerated in Minnesota, where he climbed the coaching ladder:

• Offensive assistant (2014–2015)

• Assistant wide receivers coach (2016–2017)

• Assistant quarterbacks coach (2018)

• Wide receivers coach (2019)

During his Vikings tenure, he helped coach top performers including standout wide receivers and quarterbacks, gaining reputation as a well-rounded offensive developer.

Return to Cleveland (2020–2022)

Petzing returned to the Browns with increased responsibility:

• Tight ends coach (2020–2021)

• Quarterbacks coach (2022)

Here, he expanded his expertise across key offensive positions, working with both skill players and quarterbacks — further polishing his offensive acumen.

Arizona Cardinals Offensive Coordinator (2023–2025)

In 2023, Petzing reached a major career milestone: he was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals under head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Under his leadership:

• The Cardinals’ ranking in points scored was 24th (2023), improved to 12th (2024), and dipped to 23rd (2025).

• The offense displayed a strong rushing identity, ranking 4th in rushing yards (2023) and 7th (2024), with the team finishing near the top for yards per carry both seasons.

Overall, his Cardinals offenses were marked by fluctuating success tied closely to quarterback availability and roster strength, a significant factor in offensive performance.

4. Coaching Record and Offensive Stats

According to aggregated coaching history records:

• Years coached: 13

• Overall coaching record: 102–109–1

• Win percentage: 48.35%

• Playoff record: 3–4

This reflects Petzing’s broader NFL journey — one that blends steady contributions with learning experiences across multiple roles and teams.

5. Petzing’s Coaching Philosophy & Style

Drew Petzing is widely seen as an analytical offensive mind. Across his roles:

• He’s developed a balanced offensive system combining effective rushing attacks with structured passing strategies.

• His Colts offenses underlined a run-heavy identity when healthy, while also emphasizing play action and short passing to support consistency.

• Petzing’s versatility — having coached receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks — gives him a unique perspective for offensive coordination.

Overall, his philosophy centers on building a controllable, adaptable offense that maximizes personnel strengths without over-relying on any one player or scheme.

6. Detroit Lions Hire: New Chapter

In January 2026, the Detroit Lions officially hired Drew Petzing as their offensive coordinator, replacing the previous play-calling staff amid organizational changes.

Why Petzing?

• The Lions offense finished as the No. 1 scoring offense in 2024 and remained among the top offenses in 2025, showcasing elite offensive talent that Petzing now inherits.

• Despite not having previous direct coaching ties with Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Petzing has strong connections with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson — illustrating a shared offensive lineage.

• Detroit seeks continuity and growth after coordinator changes, trusting Petzing’s experience to maintain high offensive standards.

This move represents a pivotal point in his career — transitioning from shaping offenses in Arizona to leading a potent Lions unit with championship aspirations.

7. Personal Life

Beyond the field, Drew Petzing is a family man. He graduated from Middlebury with a degree in economics, and he and his wife Louisa have two children — balancing NFL life with family commitments.

8. Strengths & Criticisms

Strengths

• Deep offensive experience at multiple NFL roles.

• Proven ability to develop skill-position players.

• Balanced offensive mindset.

Criticisms

• Cardinals offenses experienced inconsistency, especially in the passing game.

• Some critics argue his schemes become predictable without key personnel.

This combination of praise and critique is common for coordinators navigating roster variables and NFL defenses.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who is Drew Petzing?

A: Drew Petzing is an American NFL coach currently serving as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. His coaching career spans roles with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, and collegiate programs.

Q2. What coaching experience does Petzing have in the NFL?

A: Petzing has coached in the NFL since 2013, working with the Browns, Vikings, Cardinals, and now Lions, in roles that include offensive assistant, position coach, and offensive coordinator.

Q3. What offensive success has Petzing had?

A: While his Cardinals offenses saw mixed results, they demonstrated strong rushing performance and a top-tier scoring offense in 2024. With the Lions, he inherits one of the league’s most potent offenses.

Q4. What is Petzing’s overall coaching record?

A: Petzing’s aggregate coaching record stands around 102–109–1 with a 48.35% win percentage, including playoff experience.

Q5. How will Petzing impact the Lions offense?

A: Petzing brings tactical versatility and offensive balance. He’s expected to leverage Detroit’s offensive talent — combining strong run schemes with adaptable passing approaches.

Conclusion

Drew Petzing’s journey from a Division III defensive back to an NFL offensive coordinator is a testament to his dedication, football intelligence, and adaptability. As he starts a new chapter with the Detroit Lions, questions remain — but his blend of experience, offensive strategy, and player development equips him to make an impactful mark in Detroit’s offensive future.