Those fantasy football dreams of Detroit’s weapons in a Mike McDaniel offense proved to just be wishful thinking.
Despite some fan fervor for a McDaniel-led offense in the Motor City, a pairing with Detroit head coach Dan Campbell had complications, according to ESPN.
The Lions instead went with former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.
“Of coordinator jobs that Mike McDaniel has interviewed for, the Lions gig was the least likely to materialize,” Jeff Darlington tweeted. “Campbell liked McDaniel a lot, but Lions didn’t view it as quite the right fit for them. As for other OC vacancies? Mike is very much in play. Ball is in his court.”
Time will tell if the Lions made the right call with Petzing over McDaniel, but it’s a notable development that could have major ramifications following a disappointing playoff-less year for the Lions.
While McDaniel may have had some shortcomings as a head coach, few questioned his offensive chops.
Most Miami offensive players thrived under his tutelage, with De’Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa and even Jonnu Smith playing like stars
The idea of McDaniel overseeing an offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, in theory, seems like a natural fit.
Instead, Petzing comes to Detroit.
We don’t blame you if you’ve never heard of Petzing, who spent the past three seasons as the Cardinals offensive coordinator. He’s not considered an offensive wunderkind and is not from the Shanahan-McVay coaching tree.
The Cardinals’ offense made a star out of tight end Trey McBride and featured a strong running attack, but the passing game left much to be desired, especially receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
For McDaniel, he’ll continue his search for his next gig and it seems it’s more likely he will be an assistant than get another head coaching gig for 2026.
He’s in the mix for the Browns, Raiders and Ravens head coach openings.
Sports Illustrated reported that Tampa Bay — with whom he has already interviewed — could be an intriguing option as its next offensive coordinator with the idea of him ultimately replacing Todd Bowles as head coach.
