When Ben Johnson departed the Lions in 2025 to become the Bears head coach, the Lions replaced him with John Morton.
Midway through November, head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties. Morton was then dismissed after the season ended.
The club took a different approach to revamping its offense in the 2026 offseason, hiring Drew Petzing as coordinator. While Morton had previously been with the Lions as a senior offensive assistant under Campbell, Petzing — who served as the Cardinals’ OC from 2023-2025 — did not have those ties to the organization.
On Monday, Campbell said Petzing and quarterback Jared Goff have forged a solid partnership as the beginning of the season approaches.
“I think just their ability to work with each other and I feel like pull the best out of each other, if you will,” Campbell said in his press conference when asked what he’s liked about the connection between the two men. “I think Drew brings clarity in some areas, which is good and that’s always going to help Goff. But, I think at the same time, Goff has these things that he sees, that he likes, that we’re capable of doing with what we have. And he knows he can do it, to where Drew is open to those and we’ve used some of those.
“I think that’s a good thing, man, because I think that’s how you don’t stay stale, man. You continue to grow and with where our quarterback is, playing at a high level to be able to continue to test him and push him but also allow input and allow him to do things that even though it may be a little new, a new wrinkle that he feels comfortable trying, it’s a good thing. And then in regard to something Drew wants, he may not love it, but he’s willing to go and give it a go. I think that expands his own horizon. I just think it’s a good give and take, and I think those guys to this point have worked really well together.”
The Lions will open the season at home against the Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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