The Detroit Lions ended their offensive coordinator search earlier this week when they hired Drew Petzing to take over John Morton's old job. Although it's still too early to grade the Lions' hiring, that hasn't stopped fans from wondering what could've been, as former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was often atop most OC wishlists in the Motor City.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Kris Rhim reported that the Los Angeles Chargers "are expected to hire" him to fill their vacant OC role. After interviewing "for multiple head coaching and offensive coordinator positions" since being fired by the Dolphins, McDaniel clearly sees the Chargers as the best fit for him.
And while losing out on an offensive mastermind like McDaniel might sting for the Lions, his joining the Chargers isn't the end of the world after all.
Lions Are Huge Winners with Mike McDaniel Staying in the AFC
Striking out on an enticing candidate like McDaniel comes with a huge silver lining: the Lions won't have to deal with him in the NFC. As much faith as Detroit fans might have in defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's unit, McDaniel's knack for creative plays and assembling an elite offense would be a constant pain to deal with each year.
With the 42-year-old joining the Chargers, the Lions can rest easy knowing that they'll be facing him less frequently. They also won't have to face McDaniel in the upcoming season, as Detroit doesn't face the AFC West until 2027, per FB Schedules, meaning head coach Dan Campbell & Co. don't have to deal with the Chargers before then unless they collide in Super Bowl 61.
Even with that silver lining, though, some Lions fans will likely still be disappointed that the talented likes of wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs won't be benefiting from McDaniel, who played a major role in some of the Dolphins' recent offensive pieces reaching their potential.
At the same time, Petzing isn't a stranger to offensive success. He knows how to get the most juice out of a backfield, having helped the Arizona Cardinals own one of the NFL's most productive RB rooms in 2023 and 2024. If he can have similar success with Gibbs and David Montgomery, opponents will have to focus on the backfield duo more often, potentially opening up even bigger opportunities for the Jared Goff-led passing game.
McDaniel is a great coach, no doubt about it, but the Lions can't focus on missing out on him. Their focus must be on giving Petzing every tool he needs to succeed next season, using the 2026 NFL draft and free agency to flesh out any holes remaining on offense. That way, he can fully prove to Detroit and the fan base that he's the right man for the job, making the McDaniel pursuit nothing more than a distant memory.
Things didn't end the way that the Lions wanted, but sometimes, a strikeout can be followed by a curveball that's nailed for a base hit.