Drew Petzing and his wife, Louisa, enter a new chapter as he takes over as Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.
Drew Petzing, taking a crucial step in his career, has become a familiar name in the circle of trusted NFL coaches.
Gradually, he is being acknowledged for his contributions at the professional level of the sport in the United States.
In 2023, Petzing took up the role of the offensive coordinator of the Arizona Cardinals. Since then, he has been a constant subject of the discussions in the league relating to offensive innovation and disciplined game planning.
That path led to the point when, on January 19, 2026, the Detroit Lions formally announced signing him as their new offensive coordinator following the 2025 season, thus ushering in a significant chapter in his NFL coaching career.
Born in Rochester, New York, on March 12, 1987, Petzing’s path to the professional sidelines began on the field, where he played college football as a defensive back at Middlebury College from 2005 to 2006.
Drew and Louisa Petzing Building a Family Beyond Football
Off the field, Petzing and his wife, Louisa, have consciously created a down- to-earth and private family life, for the most part, protected from the spotlight that NFL coaches attract.
The couple is raising two children, a daughter, Emilia, and a son, Owen, who have become the center of their home.
Having children was a significant change in their priorities. Instead of planning for the next game, they started to think about providing their kids with a stable, orderly, and nurturing environment.
Navigating NFL Demands With Stability at Home
The career of an NFL coach is not often a predictable path. It also means moving from place to place very often, working hours that are not only long and hard but also emotionally draining, and being under the microscope of the fans and media all the time.
During all the changes, Louisa has been a constant figure, supporting and keeping the family grounded as Petzing climbed the ladder of the coaching profession with different teams.
Most importantly, they had their first baby in late 2020 when Petzing was with the Cleveland Browns, a happy yet challenging moment of juggling work and family life.
A Close-Knit Foundation Behind the Career
Despite the rigors of the league, the Rochester native has consistently made family a priority.
Whether through structured routines or protected time at home, he has worked to stay closely connected, even as football demands increased.
That balance captures the overall mindset of Petzing as well. He is an economics graduate from Middlebury College and applies the same discipline and long-term thinking that he learned through his studies in coaching and even in his family life.
Their story, in the end, illustrates a well-known truth about football: although players’ careers may depend on tactics and performance, genuine success is mostly a result of having a good and secure family.
Drew Petzing’s Lions Hire Brings Focus on Leadership and Offensive Direction
What began as a routine coaching update quickly evolved into a major NFL talking point after news confirmed that Drew Petzing was officially hired as the new offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions on January 19, 2026, according to ESPN.
As reports surfaced, reactions followed almost immediately, with fans and analysts weighing what the decision could mean for Detroit’s offensive future.
Although the hire itself has not sparked controversy, it has placed the former Arizona Cardinals play-caller’s recent body of work under closer scrutiny.
The Lions moved on from John Morton after just one season, signaling a clear desire for greater stability, structure, and clarity on offense.
As a result, the new offensive coordinator is expected to be a major figure in the transformation of Detroit’s character, especially with the head coach, Dan Campbell, willing to give up playcalling responsibilities.
Although the Lions kept up the numbers offensively, their unit was inconsistent at crucial times, which is why the demand for a more reliable leader became even more evident.
That context explains why leadership and precision were central themes throughout the hiring process. Lions general manager Brad Holmes made those expectations clear during his end-of-season news conference on Jan. 8.
“There has to be leadership, there has to be detail-oriented, there’s got to be command of the room,” Holmes said. “You have to know there’s somebody who will dot every ‘i,’ cross every ‘T,’ and make sure nothing is compromised from a detail or standards standpoint throughout the week.”
ESPN
Now, officially in place as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, the 38-year-old coach begins a defining chapter of his career, tasked with bringing leadership, structure, and consistency to an offense with playoff expectations.
FAQs
Who is Drew Petzing’s brother, Dean Petzing?
Dean Petzing is also a football coach and currently serves as a Senior Offensive Analyst at LSU Tigers. Previously, he worked with the Carolina Panthers.
What type of offense does Drew Petzing run?
He tends to prefer an offense system that is balanced and adjusts to the personnel. A key focus of his method is on proper execution, timing, and keeping errors to a minimum instead of just counting on game-changing plays.
Why did the Lions hire Drew Petzing?
The Lions brought in Petzing due to his qualities as a leader, his meticulous nature, and the way he handles the offensive room. The team was looking for a stable presence and a coordinator who could give the unit consistency and structure.
How old is Drew Petzing?
The NFL coach was born on March 12, 1987, making him 38 years old.
Who is Kevin Stefanski?
Kevin Stefanski is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He previously worked with Drew Petzing in Cleveland, where Petzing served on Stefanski’s offensive coaching staff.
