The Detroit Lions are making strides to replace their offensive coordinator, showing interest in John Morton, the current pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos. This move follows the departure of Bern Johnson, who was recently appointed head coach of the Chicago Bears. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday, January 28, 2025, the Lions are actively working to finalize hiring Morton, who is traveling to Detroit for discussions with the team.
Morton, 55, is not new to the Lions. He served as their senior offensive assistant during the 2022 season, contributing to what was the team's top-five offense under head coach Dan Campbell. Not only does he come with local ties, being raised in Rochester Hills, Michigan and having played at Western Michigan, but he also has significant experience within the NFL, making his transition back to Detroit promising.
Prior to joining the Broncos' staff under Sean Payton, Morton enjoyed considerable success with the Lions, developing many of the team's core offensive players. Under his guidance, the Lions offense gained not only extensive yards but also placed the team's passing game among the league's best. The Lions will be eager to retain this success, especially after their 2024 season where they scored the most points in franchise history.
Dan Campbell has voiced his desire to maintain continuity within the offensive system, aiming to leverage the existing talent already on the roster, including quarterback Jared Goff and star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The approaching hire of Morton is seen as beneficial for preserving the coaching philosophies implemented during Johnson’s time, which resulted in breakout seasons for multiple players.
Before his role with the Broncos, Morton was no stranger to Washington's football fields, having previously served as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2017. His tenure there was rocky; the Jets finished with one of the NFL's lowest-scoring offenses, ranking 24th at 18.6 points per game. Following his departure from the Jets, Morton made his way back to the Raiders, where he assumed the role of senior offensive assistant, and from there, his career has led him back to the NFL's sidelines.
This past year with the Broncos, Morton made significant contributions to rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s success, helping him lead the team to the playoffs. Nix threw for 3,775 yards with 29 touchdowns and garnered praise for his development under Morton’s watchful eye. Given these credentials, the Lions felt confident to onboard Morton, as they look to assemble another high-octane offensive unit.
Morton's familiarity with the Lions' roster makes him an attractive candidate. He already has insights on the offensive system and key players, which puts him at an advantage as he aims to facilitate both short- and long-term successes. Sources close to the team have indicated Campbell values this experience highly, as he reflects on keeping the team's current offensive framework to support Goff and the skill players who thrived under it last season.
Morton’s extensive career spans various coaching roles since he began working as an offensive assistant with the Oakland Raiders back in 1998. Over the years, he’s experienced stints with teams like the New Orleans Saints, where he assisted during their pivotal moments, and even during his years coaching at the collegiate level with USC.
His past roles have built up considerable knowledge, with each layer contributing to his evolution as both coach and strategist. The pressure will be on Morton to maintain the offensive prowess the Lions exhibited last season, especially with high expectations from fans and players alike.
Meanwhile, the Lions have also been active on the defensive side, promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator following the exit of Aaron Glenn, who accepted the head coach position with the New York Jets. The Lions aim to build synergy within their coaching staff, fostering relationships and familiarity across both sides of the ball.
While the Lions look forward to Morton possibly joining the team, it remains pivotal to assess how he intends to implement strategies reflecting Campbell’s vision for the franchise’s growth. Fans will be tracking the developments closely, eagerly awaiting news of Morton’s hiring, and optimistic about preserving the strong foundation built to create one of the league's elite offenses.
The Lions, heading forwards amid changes, are combining experienced coaching with youthful talent, setting the stage for another competitive season. With Morton potentially at the helm of the offense, the Motor City may continue to roar with excitement.