Ben Johnson Backs Dan Campbell's Decision At 2026 NFL Combine
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears Jan 4, 2026 Chicago, Illinois, USA Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on from the sideline against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field. Chicago Soldier Field Illinois USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDavidxBanksx 20260104_jcd_bb6_0049
NFL, American Football Herren, USA Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears Jan 4, 2026 Chicago, Illinois, USA Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson looks on from the sideline against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Soldier Field. Chicago Soldier Field Illinois USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xDavidxBanksx 20260104_jcd_bb6_0049
The Detroit Lions have had trouble replacing the former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears in January 2025.
Last season, they had a disappointing season with John Morton, who was unceremoniously fired two days after the season ended.
Now, the Detroit Lions have landed on Drew Petzing, who has taken up the job of offensive coordinator. Incidentally, Johnson and Petzing are best friends, both having been grad assistants at Boston College during 2010-11.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy, Johnson made his feelings clear about his close friend. "Drew doesn't need my advice," Johnson said. "Drew does a great job."
He further added, “He's a dear friend of mine, and I know he's gonna knock it out of the park there in Detroit. Very happy for him and that opportunity. I think they're in good hands.”
Petzing was hired from the Arizona Cardinals, where he served as the offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025. During his time, the Cardinals’ offense ranked second in the NFL in rushing average (4.92) and ninth in rushing yards (6,399).
Petzing also seems to follow Ben Johnson’s footsteps. Earlier this month, he revealed he plans to give a bigger role to quarterback Jared Goff, similar to how Johnson did during his stint with the Lions.
Dan Campbell is thrilled to have Petzing on board
Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions, spoke highly of Petzing during his introductory video.
"I think he's going to fit in, really like a glove. To be a really good coordinator, you have to know the run game, you have to know protections. And certainly the pass game. Drew checks every one of those boxes, man.”
Ben Johnson also appreciated Campbell for making the move to hire Petzing.
"I think what Drew does is, or at least what he showed in Arizona, is he's going to put his best players in a chance to showcase what they do. I think it’s a really smart decision by Dan,” Johnson said.
Petzing will be looking forward to coaching Jared Goff and co. Do you think Petzing has what it takes to reinvent the Lions’ offense? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by
Shyam Hari
Edited by
Kalp Thaker