Detroit Lions fans were understandably concerned when the franchise announced new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's hiring. A lack of results during his time with the Arizona Cardinals raised red flags; however, Mike Kafka's addition certainly helped calm most concerns.
Still, that hasn't stopped some Lions fans from wondering why Detroit is going with the Petzing-Kafka combo rather than making a bigger effort for the likes of Mike McDaniel or Brian Daboll, both proven playcallers.
McDaniel appears to be an even better fit after joining the Los Angeles Chargers and making quite the impression in his opening presser. The coach is saying all of the right things, talking about the importance of the run game and taking pressure off quarterback Justin Herbert. McDaniel is focused on bringing creativity to the Charger offense and taking pressure off a battered quarterback, who has been asked to put on the cape one too many times.
"(Jim Harbaugh) likes to run the ball, and I am — by trade — I spent a good portion of my career being in charge of the run game and being the run-game coordinator, McDaniel said on Tuesday (h/t @MySportsUpdate). "I think some of my run-game prowess in the past has been different solutions for light boxes when you’re adept at passing to run the ball."
The above quote is what Lions fans wanted to hear from their new OC and what would've made McDaniel the perfect fit. Bringing in Kafka was still a clear offseason win, but it is impossible not to question why the franchise didn't bring in McDaniel.
Lions Might Regret Letting Mike McDaniel Land with Chargers
With two great running options, a proven quarterback, and elite receivers, it is difficult to believe McDaniel would've turned the opportunity down if offered.
McDaniel taking over the Detroit offense would've removed any remaining concerns or questions with the unit. The Lions would have every reason to be excited moving forward, as it isn't hard to imagine what the ex-Miami Dolphins head coach could do with the likes of Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta at his disposal.
On one hand, there's a chance that Perzing and Kafka will exceed expectations, especially after the poor effort former OC John Morton showed in 2025. At the same time, listening to McDaniel crush his first Chargers press conference leaves plenty of room to speculate if Detroit's new duo is the best men for the job.
That's an answer that the Lions won't have until the start of the 2026 season, with a long offseason ahead. One that is going to continue to be defined by offense questions and whether or not the franchise made the right hire to put the unit back on track.
If Perzing and Kafka can successfully reward HC Dan Campbell's confidence, Lions fans can rest easy, knowing that the offense is in good hands. But if not, and the pair prove to be just as effective as Morton, if not worse, Detroit's failure to lure McDaniel to the Motor City will only grow uglier with time.