With the announcement that the Detroit Lions are reportedly hiring Drew Petzing as their newest offensive coordinator came a bunch of reactions from fans and analysts alike. One of the more popular reactions was frustration that the Lions didn’t land former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, a candidate widely believed to be the best offensive mind available this coaching cycle.
McDaniel was a candidate for the Lions’ job and interviewed for the position last Tuesday. Why didn’t the Lions choose him? We don’t have 100 percent clarity on that yet, but ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington provided some insight into Detroit’s thought process with McDaniel.
“Of coordinator jobs that Mike McDaniel has interviewed for, the Lions gig was the least likely to materialize,” Darlington tweeted on Monday. “Campbell liked McDaniel a lot, but Lions didn’t view it as quite the right fit for them.”
Now, let’s be clear about this quote, because I’ve already seen some potential misinterpretations of this. That last sentence has some believing that Campbell wanted him, but he was overridden by others within the organization. I can see why that’s a possible read on the situation, but I think Campbell could be included in the “Lions” that didn’t view him as a fit. You can like a candidate while also admitting he’s not exactly what you’re looking for. Jumping to the conclusion that Campbell didn’t get his guy because of Brad Holmes, or Sheila Hamp, or Mike Disner is making a huge leap in logic.
What would be more interesting to find out is why the organization didn’t like McDaniel’s fit. There is certainly a perception that McDaniel’s offense is a little more gadgety and based on speed, where the Lions have shown they like physicality and power. Personally, I think McDaniel has shown some of those gritty football tendencies when the personnel is right.
Maybe the personality fit wasn’t right. Maybe McDaniel doesn’t see play-calling the way Campbell wants him to. Maybe the connection with Jared Goff wasn’t ideal. Maybe there was just going to be too much schematic and verbiage overhaul when the Lions are looking for more of a tweak.
Whatever the reason, one thing appears clear from Darlington’s reporting: the Lions rejected McDaniel rather than the other way around.
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