The Detroit Lions have made several changes this offseason to improve their offense, which struggled significantly after the departure of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. In response, the team replaced John Morton with Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator to reinvigorate their attack. This adjustment is expected to benefit all skill players, especially tight end Sam LaPorta, who missed the last seven games last season due to a back injury. According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Lions have promoted Steve Oliver to tight ends coach, a move that could have a major positive impact on LaPorta’s role.
Steve Oliver’s Promotion Could Elevate LaPorta’s Role on Offense
Sam LaPorta’s absence late last season created uncertainty around his involvement in the Lions’ offense moving forward, especially with a potential contract extension on the horizon. However, the promotion of Steve Oliver to tight ends coach signals that the team plans to integrate LaPorta more centrally into their game plan. Oliver, who has been with Detroit for five seasons including three as assistant offensive line coach, has a strong background coaching tight ends at the collegiate level before transitioning to the NFL.
As an offensive lineman turned coach, Oliver’s experience uniquely positions him to develop LaPorta, who is expected to benefit greatly from both the new coaching setup and Drew Petzing’s arrival. Petzing comes to Detroit with a proven track record, particularly in maximizing tight end production, as evidenced by his success coaching Trey McBride in Arizona.
Drew Petzing’s Track Record Suggests Growth for LaPorta
During Petzing’s time with the Arizona Cardinals, tight end Trey McBride flourished under his guidance. McBride recorded over 1,200 receiving yards, 126 receptions on 169 targets, and 11 touchdowns in just his second NFL season. McBride has expressed confidence that LaPorta will enjoy similar success with Petzing calling the plays. While the Cardinals’ offense lacked the depth of talent that Detroit possesses, Petzing has demonstrated the ability to carve out a prominent role for a pass-catching tight end in any offense, which bodes well for LaPorta’s future contributions.
Upcoming Season’s Schedule and LaPorta’s Potential Impact
Adding to the hopeful outlook, the Lions are set to face one of the easiest schedules in the NFL next season based on projected win percentages. This favorable slate could provide an ideal environment for LaPorta to regain his confidence and maximize his contributions. Despite playing only nine games last season and sharing opportunities with established pass catchers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, LaPorta managed 40 receptions on 49 targets, accumulating 489 yards and scoring three touchdowns.
With a revamped coaching staff and a promising offensive strategy centered around him, these statistics are expected to climb significantly. Ensuring LaPorta enters offseason workouts healthy will be crucial for capitalizing on this opportunity.
Outlook for Sam LaPorta and the Detroit Lions’ Offensive Future
The Lions’ decision to promote Steve Oliver and install Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator reflects a clear intent to build the offense around Sam LaPorta. Combining Oliver’s development expertise with Petzing’s creative play-calling could unlock LaPorta’s full potential and lead to a breakout season. These changes also come at a time when the Lions, recovering from last season’s setbacks, seem poised to rebound. The emphasis on LaPorta’s role within this new framework suggests the team sees him as a cornerstone of their future offensive success.
The Lions are promoting Steve Oliver to tight ends coach, per source.
Oliver has been with Detroit for five seasons, including the past three as assistant offensive line coach.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 5, 2026
