The Detroit Lions are actively preparing for the 2026 NFL season with significant coaching moves and strategic scheduling. The team has hired Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, coming from the Arizona Cardinals where he excelled in rushing offense, and Mike Kafka from the New York Giants in a high-ranking offensive role. These hires are seen as moves to strengthen the Lions' offensive capabilities and create competitive advantages. Meanwhile, Chicago Bears' writer Nick Halden has expressed concern that Kafka’s addition to the Lions' staff will heighten the rivalry, prompting the Bears to respond with potential offseason adjustments. The Lions' 2026 schedule features 14 opponents, including six teams with new head coaches, which could favor Detroit as rookie coaches typically need time to implement their systems. The schedule includes home games against Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, and others, and away games against teams like Atlanta and Buffalo, also led by new head coaches. The presence of multiple first-year head coaches across the league suggests a potentially advantageous season for Detroit. Additionally, the Lions are intensifying their rivalry with Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears' offensive coordinator, who has been a key figure in their recent success. With Chicago losing offensive coordinator Declan Doyle to the Baltimore Ravens, Johnson faces the pressure of finding a suitable replacement amid a busy coaching cycle. The ongoing coaching changes in NFC North teams, including the departure of Packers' defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and the firing of Vikings' GM, have created a shifting landscape that could benefit Detroit. Overall, Detroit's strategic coaching hires, schedule with numerous new head coaches, and rivalries in the NFC North position the Lions for a potentially strong 2026 season, with optimism growing among fans about their chances to contend for the division title.