The Arizona Cardinals have hit their stride, winning four straight games and looking like one of the league’s most formidable teams. Key players are thriving under the leadership of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, whose strategic prowess has brought out the best in Kyler Murray, who now looks like an MVP contender. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. is leading his class in touchdown catches, James Conner is running at peak performance, and tight end Trey McBride has emerged as a playmaker. Arizona’s offense, which now averages 346.4 yards per game, ranks just outside the league’s top ten, with the Cardinals scoring at least 28 points in each of their last three games.
Petzing, in his second year as Arizona’s offensive coordinator, has made a significant impression on both rival coaches and NFL executives, so much so that he’s now considered a promising candidate for future head coaching roles. The Athletic recently featured Petzing in their list of potential 2025 head coaches, with writer Jeff Howe praising his development of Murray and his overall impact on Arizona’s offense. Petzing’s coaching background includes working with offensive minds like Norv Turner, Pat Shurmur, and Kevin Stefanski during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. He then joined Stefanski with the Cleveland Browns before moving to Arizona, where he joined Jonathan Gannon’s coaching team. Although Petzing was somewhat under the radar when he arrived in Arizona, he’s since garnered attention as the Cardinals have become a well-coached, rising force in the league.
Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr also highlighted Petzing as a strong head coaching candidate, noting his innovative playcalling, which has helped Arizona become the second-most successful opening-drive offense and the fourth in the league in EPA per play. Petzing’s coaching journey began at Middlebury College and led him through the Ivy League before breaking into the NFL in 2013 with the Browns. His tenure with the Vikings under head coach Mike Zimmer helped shape his approach and has contributed to a recent wave of young head coaches, including Gannon and Stefanski, who are making an impact across the NFL.
As a young and offensive-minded coordinator, Petzing fits the profile of what many NFL organizations seek in a head coach today. Despite Arizona’s early season struggles, Petzing has consistently taken ownership of his role, emphasizing that the offense’s performance, whether good or bad, starts with him. Petzing said, “When we are rolling, I take a lot of pride in that, but I also give credit to the players. When we’re not, I look at myself and ask, ‘What can we do better?’”
With his success in Arizona and a front-row seat to Gannon’s influence, Petzing may soon find himself leading a team of his own, bringing his experience and offensive acumen to another franchise.
