The Detroit Lions’ decision to hire Drew Petzing as their next offensive coordinator sparked immediate reaction across the league, but none louder than the frustration surrounding one notable omission: Mike McDaniel. Widely viewed as the premier offensive mind available this cycle, the former Miami Dolphins head coach interviewed with Detroit last week but ultimately did not land the job.
While the full picture remains unclear, ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington offered revealing insight into how the Lions viewed McDaniel’s candidacy. According to Darlington, Detroit was never considered a strong landing spot for McDaniel despite mutual interest.
“Of coordinator jobs that Mike McDaniel has interviewed for, the Lions gig was the least likely to materialize,” Darlington reported. “Dan Campbell liked McDaniel a lot, but the Lions didn’t view it as quite the right fit.”
That distinction matters. While some have interpreted the report as Campbell being overruled by ownership or the front office, there is no indication that was the case. It is entirely possible — and perhaps most logical — that Campbell was part of the collective decision that McDaniel, though respected, was not the ideal match for what Detroit wants to be offensively.
The reasons may come down to philosophy and fit. McDaniel’s offenses are often perceived as speed-based and schematic-heavy, while the Lions have leaned into physicality, power, and continuity. There may also have been concerns about play-calling alignment, chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff, or the scale of offensive changes required when Detroit may have preferred refinement over a full overhaul.
Whatever the exact reasoning, Darlington’s reporting makes one thing clear: the Lions chose another direction. Detroit didn’t lose Mike McDaniel — they passed on him.
