Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions have officially entered the offseason, yet their determination to improve remains palpable. The decisions made during this period will impact their performance in the upcoming regular season. One notable move that could have implications for the Chicago Bears and their offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the recent hiring of Mike Kafka.
On January 26, the Lions appointed Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, transitioning from former coordinator John Morton. Shortly thereafter, they welcomed Kafka, the former interim head coach and offensive coordinator for the New York Giants, in a high-ranking offensive role for the 2026-27 season.
Petzing is coming off a stint as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, where he was part of a team that exhibited impressive rushing statistics, ranking second in the NFL in rushing average and ninth in total rushing yards over the last three seasons. However, despite those accomplishments, the Cardinals struggled with a losing record, adding a layer of context to his hiring. On the other hand, Kafka faced challenges during his tenure with the Giants, leading the team to a 2-5 record amid injuries to key players.
According to Bears writer Nick Halden from Da Windy City, Johnson should take note of Kafka’s hiring. Halden suggested that this new development heightens the urgency for the Bears to make necessary adjustments in their offseason strategy. “Adding Kafka pushes the Lions in this direction and reminds Chicago of the need for an aggressive offseason,” he stated, indicating that both the Lions and the Packers are set to close the gap on the Bears, who enjoy the status of defending division champions.
Halden emphasized that the Bears’ coaching staff and front office must capitalize on their recent success and ensure that it’s not viewed as a one-time achievement but rather as a standard for future performance. He noted the potential for Kafka’s hiring to prompt Johnson to reevaluate and enhance the Bears’ approach in the offseason.
The situation becomes even more pressing considering the speculation surrounding Kafka’s potential fit with the Green Bay Packers’ offensive coordinator role in the lead-up to his decision to join the Lions. His experience and past successes with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he helped shape Patrick Mahomes into an elite quarterback, make him a significant addition to Detroit’s coaching staff and a cause for concern for their rivals.
As the offseason unfolds, the strategic maneuvers of the Lions herald an intense competition within the NFC North, spurring all teams to elevate their game. The excitement surrounding these coaching changes injects a fresh dynamic into the league and serves as a reminder that every decision made now can set the stage for the upcoming season.