The Chicago Bears are conducting the first two interviews in their search for the organization’s 19th head coach (18th full-time) on Wednesday. Clocker Sports has already profiled former Tennesee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. Up next is Drew Petzing. He will also interview on Wednesday, per NFL Networks Ian Rapoport on January 8.
The current offensive coordinator of the Cardinals, Petzing is in his second season as an NFL play-caller, working under defensive-minded head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Drew Petzing’s Work With Kyler Murray a Plus Ahead of Bears Interview
Record: 12-22 (as OC)
Playoff Record: N/A
Bears HC Candidate Drew Petzing Straightened Out Cardinals’ Offense
Petzing’s first season in the desert did not go well. The Cardinals’ offense ranked 19th in yards and 24th in points in 2024. They improved significantly in his second season dialing up the offense.
The Cardinals ranked 11th in yards and 12th in points, and their eight wins doubled their win total from the previous season.
Their scoring defense also improved from 31st to 15th.
The Cardinals had five games in which they scored 30-plus points, two with over 40 points, and three more with 28-plus points. That he worked with a former Heisman Trophy-winning No. 1 overall pick (like Caleb Williams) in Kyler Murray only helps Petzing’s case.
Kyler Murray is buying into Drew Petzing's system, @AKinkhabwala discusses. pic.twitter.com/AvJXhVnQrV
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 10, 2024
Murray completed 68.8% of his passes for 3,851 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions this past season.
The completion percentage and yardage are both the second-best marks of his career.
Murray also posted his third-best marks in passer rating and air yards per attempt in 2024 while the Cardinals ranked 11th in rushing attempts and seventh in yards. Notably, Murray averaged the fewest rushing attempts and the highest YPC of his career in 2024.
He will have to provide further details on why he believes Murray endured such a sharp increase in turnovers over the final seven games of the season.
The QB has at least 1 interception in all but two of those games.
He did not throw a TD in one of them, finishing with 12 TDs to 3 INTs in Weeks 1 through 10 and a 9:8 ratio in Weeks 12 through 18.
Bears Interview Good Experience for Petzing
Petzing has never been a head coach at any level. His first NFL job was with the Cleveland Browns as an intern. He moved on after one season, joining the Bears NFC North rival Minnesota Vikings. Petzing began as an offensive assistant and finished as wide receivers coach in 2019.
He returned to the Brows as tight ends coach in 2020. Petzing spent three more seasons in Cleveland, the final as quarterbacks coach.
There is an expectation that he will return to Arizona next season.
He also notably coached with Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson at Boston College in 2010 and 2011.
Given how much emphasis has been put on experienced head coaching candidates in this cycle, Petzing’s short track record as a coordinator could also hurt his case. Petzing’s resume is similar to former Bears interim head coach Thomas Brown’s in that regard.
Still, much like this tumultuous season – and the one before it in Carolina with the Panthers – was good for Brown, this cycle of interviews will prove good experience for Petzing long-term.
Another step forward from Murray next season would also go a long way to helping his OC become an HC.