The “Schematic Architect” Option: Is Jake Peetz The Next Detroit Lions OC?

His work with Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (in Seattle) proves he knows how to manufacture touches for playmakers—a crucial skill

Jan 10, 2026

January 9, 2026 | 5:24 PM

As the Detroit Lions cast a wide net for their next Offensive Coordinator, one name has surfaced that bridges the gap between the NFL’s most explosive passing systems and the grit-based culture Dan Campbell demands: Jake Peetz.

Currently the Passing Game Coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, Peetz has quietly become one of the most respected “connectors” in the league—a coach who sits at the intersection of the Sean McVay, Joe Brady, and Nick Saban coaching trees.

Archetype: The “McVay / Brady” Hybrid

Peetz is a rare schematic hybrid. He speaks the native language of the Sean McVay offense (having worked as his Pass Game Specialist in LA) but also possesses the “Spread” DNA of Joe Brady (whom he worked alongside in Carolina and replaced as OC at LSU). He is not just a “West Coast” coach; he is an architect who blends complex pro-style protections with the explosive, receiver-friendly concepts of the modern college game.

The Case For: Diverse Concepts

Peetz has been a silent engine behind three of the league’s most impressive aerial displays. After being instrumental in Puka Nacua’s historic rookie season with the Rams (2023), he moved to Seattle where he helped orchestrate Geno Smith’s late-career prime in 2024, seeing Smith set franchise records for completions and yards. He proved his adaptability in 2025 by seamlessly transitioning the offense to Sam Darnold, maximizing the veteran’s skillset to keep the unit firing at an elite level.

His track record with quarterbacks is undeniable: he coached Derek Carr to two Pro Bowls in Oakland and helped Teddy Bridgewater achieve career highs in Carolina. For a Detroit team led by Jared Goff—a quarterback who needs structure and “easy buttons”—Peetz brings the exact intellectual property (McVay’s system) that Goff was originally built in.

The Argument Against: Lack Of Physical Style

His résumé lacks a “signature” play-calling season in the NFL. While he called plays at LSU in 2021, the results were mixed as the program struggled to replicate the magic of the 2019 championship run. Critics argue he is a better “number two” than a “number one”—an elite teacher and game-planner who might lack the rhythmic feel for calling a game live against aggressive NFL defensive coordinators.

The Risks

The “Analyst” Trap: Peetz has spent significant time in “Passing Game Coordinator” or “Analyst” roles. Transitioning from designing plays on Tuesday to calling them on 3rd-and-Goal on Sunday is a massive leap.
Too Many Voices: Having worked under so many dominant offensive minds (McVay, Saban, Brady, Grubb, Kubiak), the risk is that he tries to run a “Frankenstein” offense that lacks a singular, cohesive identity.

Strengths as a Coordinator

The “Puka Nacua” Effect: Peetz is elite at identifying matchups for specific receivers. His work with Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (in Seattle) proves he knows how to manufacture touches for playmakers—a crucial skill for maximizing Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Protection Wizardry: Having coached in the SEC and under McVay, Peetz is known for his detailed understanding of protection schemes. He knows how to keep a pocket passer like Goff clean.
QB Fluency: He treats the quarterback position with the detail of a scientist. His background as a former scout (Jaguars) and Saban analyst gives him a holistic view of the QB position that few coaches possess.

Why He Fits

Peetz fits Detroit because he offers continuity with evolution.

The Goff Translator: Jared Goff’s best years have come in systems derived from the McVay tree. Peetz speaks that language fluently but adds the “Joe Brady” spread elements that can modernize Detroit’s attack.
The “Grinder” Culture: Peetz is a former college long snapper and defensive back who worked his way up from a scouting intern. He is not a “guru” who was handed a job; he is a grinder. That resonates deeply with Dan Campbell.

Ideal Landing Spots

Detroit Lions: The most logical fit. He speaks Goff’s language and fits Campbell’s culture.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: He interviewed there previously and has connections to Baker Mayfield from their time together in LA.
Carolina Panthers: A potential return to Charlotte if they look to pair a young offensive mind with a defensive head coach.

The Verdict

The Smartest “Safe” Hire.

Jake Peetz isn’t the flashy “boy genius” hire that generates headlines, but he might be the most competent one. He offers the schematic safety net of the McVay system—which we know works for Goff—while bringing enough new ideas from Seattle and LSU to keep the offense fresh. If Detroit wants to ensure Jared Goff remains comfortable while subtly evolving the passing game, Peetz is the perfect architect for the job.

... Jake Peetz on LSU Offense & Coaching Philosophy ...