Full Breakdown
Amon-Ra St. Brown Defends Drew Petzing's Hiring as Lions Offensive Coordinator
1/22/2026, 1:35:50 AM
Immediate Fan Backlash to Petzing's Appointment
The Detroit Lions recently appointed Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, a decision that has sparked significant backlash among a segment of the fan base. The hire, confirmed on January 19, 2026, followed a disappointing 2025 season where the Lions finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Petzing, who has three seasons of play-calling experience with the Arizona Cardinals, faced skepticism largely due to the team's struggles in 2025 and the fans' desire for a more high-profile candidate like Mike McDaniel.
Amon-Ra St. Brown's Call for Patience
Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown addressed the fan discontent during an episode of his podcast, urging supporters to trust the Lions' leadership, particularly head coach Dan Campbell. St. Brown expressed frustration over the quick judgments made by fans, stating, "Most of you guys don't know really much about anything, about any ball," and emphasized the importance of allowing the situation to develop. He encouraged fans to "just relax" and let the hiring process play out, reinforcing his confidence in the team's decision-making.
Context of the Hiring
Petzing's tenure with the Cardinals was marked by a strong rushing attack in his first two seasons, which was undermined by injuries and roster changes in 2025. This inconsistency has contributed to the skepticism surrounding his appointment. St. Brown, who recorded impressive statistics in a challenging offensive environment under former coordinator John Morton, acknowledged his initial unfamiliarity with Petzing but later expressed optimism after learning about Petzing's background and his connection to former Lions coordinator Ben Johnson.
Official Statements & Responses
St. Brown's sentiments reflect a broader desire within the Lions organization to move forward positively after a season deemed an "underachievement" by Campbell himself. The head coach rated his performance as an "F" in his self-evaluation, highlighting the pressure on the team to capitalize on what many perceive as an open Super Bowl window. St. Brown's confidence in Petzing was bolstered by conversations with quarterback Jared Goff, who described Petzing as a "smart offensive mind."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite St. Brown's defense, the fan response to Petzing's hiring remains mixed. Many supporters were disappointed that the Lions did not pursue a more recognizable name, leading to a wave of negative reactions online. The criticism underscores the emotional investment of the fan base, particularly after the team's recent struggles and the high expectations set for the upcoming season.
What's Next
As the Lions prepare for the 2026 season, the focus will be on integrating Petzing into the team's offensive strategy and addressing the challenges that led to their last-place finish in the NFC North. St. Brown remains optimistic about the team's potential, stating, "I think we’ll be better than last year, for sure," indicating a belief in the Lions' ability to rebound and improve under Petzing's leadership.
