Lions OC Drew Petzing shows off importance of adaptability

Detroit's new offensive coordinator discusses how he's had to adjust his schemes based on personnel changes throughout his career.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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In a recent interview, new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing discussed the importance of adaptability in his coaching philosophy. Petzing explained how he has had to shift his offensive strategies in the past based on the strengths and weaknesses of the players he has had available, rather than forcing a rigid system. He cited examples from his time as offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals, where he had to move away from his initial wide-zone running game plan when the personnel didn't fit, and then later had to transition to a more pass-heavy offense when injuries decimated the roster. Petzing promised a similar flexible approach in Detroit, saying he won't completely abandon what has worked well for quarterback Jared Goff, but will also look to introduce new ideas that fit the talent on the roster.

Why it matters

Petzing's emphasis on adaptability is an encouraging sign for the Lions' offense, as it suggests he will be willing to tailor the scheme to the team's strengths rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all system. This approach could help maximize the production of key players like Goff and allow the offense to evolve as the roster changes over time.

The details

In the interview, Petzing provided two specific examples of how he's had to adjust his offensive philosophy based on personnel changes. In 2023, his first year as the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator, he initially planned to build the offense around outside zone running plays. However, after evaluating his team in training camp, he realized they weren't well-suited for that scheme and instead shifted the focus to featuring running back James Conner and playing to the strengths of the offensive line. Then in 2025, when the Cardinals were ravaged by injuries, including long absences for Kyler Murray and Conner, Petzing had to completely overhaul the offense to become more pass-heavy in order to stay competitive.

  • In 2023, Petzing's first year as the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator.
  • In 2025, Petzing's least successful season with the Cardinals.

The players

Drew Petzing

The new offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, known for his flexible coaching approach that adapts to the strengths of his personnel.

James Conner

The running back for the Arizona Cardinals who Petzing featured in the offense when he moved away from an outside zone running scheme.

Kyler Murray

The quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals who missed 12 games in 2025, leading Petzing to shift to a more pass-heavy offense.

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What they’re saying

“The key to any offense is, it's got to be built around the players you have. You've got to highlight their ability and what they do best. So that's going to be different game-to-game based on who is available. Every roster I've been on, it's going to be a little different.”

— Drew Petzing, Offensive Coordinator (prideofdetroit.com)

“In that process—like anything you do—you learn a lot about yourself, you learn about the game. We changed dramatically, philosophy-wise, in terms of what we felt we needed to do to be successful based on who we had available on gameday.”

— Drew Petzing, Offensive Coordinator (prideofdetroit.com)

What’s next

Petzing's flexible approach will be put to the test as he works to install his offense and integrate it with the existing personnel in Detroit. The Lions' roster could see changes in the offseason, so Petzing's ability to adapt will be crucial.

The takeaway

Petzing's emphasis on tailoring his offense to the strengths of his players, rather than forcing a rigid system, is an encouraging sign for the Lions' offense. His willingness to pivot and adjust based on personnel changes could help the unit maximize its production and stay competitive even as the roster evolves.