Editor’s Note: The Lions hired former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing on the afternoon of Monday, January 19. Petzing is known for operating a run-heavy offense that values tight end play and lightens the burden of the quarterback.
As the Detroit Lions season has come to a close, changes are being made. The biggest of these is the offensive coordinator position on the Lions’ coaching staff.
On Jan. 30, 2025, John Morton was hired to replace now–Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Under Morton’s playcalling, the Lions went 6-3, averaging 29.9 points per game and 373.2 yards per game — top five in the NFL.
Dan Campbell ultimately decided the playcalling was not up to snuff and took over duties in Week 10. Other sources and journalists stated that Morton’s offense was “prolific.”
When Campbell took over the offense, the Lions were 2-6. However, the offense averaged 26.9 points per game and 419 yards per game, with 226 of those yards coming on the ground. The team ranked first in total yards and yards per play and third in points per game.
However, because of injuries and chaos on defense, the Lions ended their season 8-9 and missed the playoffs.
Now, with Morton fired, the Lions need to find another coach to bolster their offense and make a Super Bowl push for the 2026-27 season.
The Lions have interviewed or intend to interview several candidates, including:
Mike McDaniel, former Dolphins head coach
McDaniel enters the conversation as the most accomplished offensive mind among the candidates. During his tenure as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, McDaniel built one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, emphasizing pre-snap motion, spacing and misdirection to create favorable matchups.
McDaniel’s system is structured and quarterback-friendly, a trait that could benefit Jared Goff, who has thrived in rhythm-based offenses. Detroit struggled with predictability late last season, and McDaniel’s creativity could help address that issue.
The primary concern is fit. McDaniel has operated with significant autonomy and would need to adapt to the collaborative leadership style of Campbell. Even with that consideration, McDaniel’s offensive résumé gives him the highest ceiling among the group.
Mike Kafka, Giants interim head coach
Kafka brings coordinator and head coaching experience, having served as the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator and interim head coach. Kafka is regarded as adaptable, adjusting schemes based on personnel and game situations.
Kafka’s offenses have generally been efficient rather than explosive. While his playcalling demonstrated situational awareness, his units rarely ranked among the league’s elite in scoring or yardage. For Detroit, Kafka would likely provide stability and structure, raising the offense’s floor but not necessarily its ceiling.
Still, his experience managing offenses under pressure makes him a credible option for a team seeking reliability after offensive regression.
Zac Robinson, Falcons offensive coordinator
Robinson offers familiarity — both with Goff and with offensive concepts stemming from the Sean McVay coaching tree. Robinson’s background emphasizes play-action passing and balance, elements that align with Detroit’s personnel.
However, Robinson’s recent results are mixed. His offense with the Atlanta Falcons struggled to generate consistent scoring, particularly in the red zone. While familiarity may ease the transition, Detroit must weigh whether continuity outweighs the need for innovation.
Robinson’s candidacy reflects a lower-risk option with modest upside.
Arthur Smith, Steelers offensive coordinator
Smith brings extensive NFL experience, including success as offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans, where his run-heavy approach helped maximize personnel such as Derrick Henry.
Smith’s later work as head coach of the Falcons complicates his evaluation. Atlanta’s offense often failed to capitalize on talent, leading to questions about Smith’s adaptability in a league trending toward versatility and creativity.
For Detroit, Smith could offer structural discipline, but his conservative tendencies may limit offensive growth.
Tee Martin, Ravens quarterbacks coach
Martin is known for his work in player development, particularly with quarterbacks and receivers. His leadership and communication skills are viewed positively across the league.
Still, Martin’s experience as a primary play-caller is limited. During his previous coordinator stint, play-calling duties were reassigned, raising concerns about in-game management. Martin may project better as a position coach or assistant rather than the lead offensive architect.
Jake Peetz, Seahawks passing game coordinator
Peetz rounds out the list as the least experienced option. While respected for his collaborative approach, Peetz lacks extensive NFL play-calling experience. His previous coordinator role at the college level produced mixed results.
Hiring Peetz would represent a developmental gamble rather than a proven solution for an offense seeking immediate improvement.
The Lions’ offensive coordinator search reflects a broader organizational decision about identity. Detroit must choose between innovation, stability or familiarity as it attempts to rebound offensively.
McDaniel stands out as the most transformative option, while Kafka and Robinson offer steadier paths with fewer unknowns. Smith provides experience but limited upside, and Martin and Peetz represent longer-term developmental risks.
For a franchise looking to solidify its place among NFC contenders, the Lions’ next offensive coordinator will shape not only next season but the direction of the offense for years to come.