Lions Hire Drew Petzing as OC, Add Mike Kafka to Offensive Staff

The additions of Petzing and Kafka to Detroit's coaching staff have fans excited about the team's offensive outlook for 2026.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:39pm

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The Detroit Lions have made some key changes to their coaching staff this offseason, hiring Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator and adding Mike Kafka to a high-ranking offensive role. While the Petzing hire was not initially popular with fans, the addition of Kafka has erased any doubts about the team's offensive direction.

Why it matters

The Lions are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs in 2025, and the hiring of Petzing and Kafka is seen as a crucial step in reviving their high-powered offense. Petzing brings expertise in the running game, while Kafka has a strong track record of developing quarterbacks and coordinating productive offenses.

The details

Petzing was most recently the offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals, where the team thrived at running the football. Meanwhile, Kafka has extensive experience as a position coach and coordinator in the NFL, including a stint as the Giants' interim head coach where he helped improve the team's offensive production. The Lions are hoping the duo can work together to maximize the team's offensive potential in 2026.

  • The Lions fired offensive coordinator John Morton after the 2025 season.
  • Detroit hired Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator last week.
  • The Lions added Mike Kafka to a 'high-ranking offensive staff role' on Monday.

The players

Drew Petzing

The new offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, previously held the same role with the Arizona Cardinals.

Mike Kafka

A former NFL quarterback who has quickly risen through the coaching ranks, most recently serving as the Giants' interim head coach.

John Morton

The former offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who was fired after the 2025 season.

Ben Johnson

The Lions' previous offensive coordinator, who helped guide the team to three incredible seasons before departing.

Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, whom Kafka helped develop during his time as the team's quarterbacks coach.

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What they’re saying

“The Lions can gain all of the benefits of adding Kafka for 2026, even if he does leave next offseason. Meanwhile, they would still maintain some continuity as long as Petzing sticks around as offensive coordinator.”

— Ben Strauss, Author (clutchpoints.com)

“New York's offense improved in a few important advanced metrics after Kafka took over as interim head coach.”

— Al Karsten, Lions writer (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

The Lions will be looking to see how the partnership between Petzing and Kafka develops during the 2026 offseason and preseason, as they work to revive the team's high-powered offense.

The takeaway

The additions of Petzing and Kafka to the Lions' coaching staff have generated a lot of excitement among fans, as the team looks to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to the playoffs in 2026.