Why Lions passed on Mike McDaniel for surprise choice as offensive coordinator

The fantasy football hopes of seeing Detroit’s offensive weapons flourish in a Mike McDaniel-led offense have been dashed. Despite fan excitement over the possibility of McDaniel teaming up with Lions head coach Dan Campbell, it seems that the pairing faced some challenges, as reported by ESPN. Ultimately, the Lions opted to hire former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing instead.

The decision to go with Petzing over McDaniel could have significant implications for the Lions, especially after a disappointing season that saw them miss the playoffs. While McDaniel may not have been the perfect fit as a head coach, his offensive expertise was widely acknowledged. During his time with the Miami Dolphins, many offensive players excelled under his guidance, including De’Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Tua Tagovailoa, and Jonnu Smith.

The prospect of McDaniel overseeing an offense featuring Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery seemed promising on paper. However, with Petzing now at the helm in Detroit, it remains to be seen if the Lions made the right choice.

Petzing, who previously served as the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, may not have the same level of recognition as McDaniel, who hails from the Shanahan-McVay coaching tree. While the Cardinals’ offense saw success with a strong running game and the emergence of tight end Trey McBride, there were concerns about the passing game, particularly with receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

As for McDaniel, he is now exploring other opportunities in the NFL coaching landscape. He is reportedly in contention for head coaching positions with the Browns, Raiders, and Ravens. Additionally, there is speculation that he could join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their next offensive coordinator, with a potential future path to taking over as head coach from Todd Bowles.

In the ever-evolving world of NFL coaching, the decision to pass on McDaniel in favor of Petzing marks a significant turning point for the Lions. Only time will tell how this choice will shape the team’s offensive strategy and performance in the seasons to come.