The Lions moved quickly in internally filling their defensive coordinator position. The OC vacancy is likewise soon to be taken care of, with the team looking to a familiar candidate.
Broncos pass game coordinator John Morton is traveling to Detroit today, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Lions are working to finalize his hire for the offensive coordinator role. Provided this goes through, it will mark Morton’s second coordinator gig in the NFL and allow him to return to Detroit. He and Dan Campbell worked together in 2022.
Morton recently interviewed for the Lions’ OC gig, per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. As a result, he became a name to watch closely on this front. Indeed, Schefter said on a Monday Pat McAfee Show appearance that the 55-year-old was likely to get the nod (video link). Provided everything goes according to plan upon arrival in the Motor City, that will prove to be the case.
After a playing career that spanned the NFL, CFL and World League of American Football, Morton transitioned to coaching in 1998. His first opportunity came with the Raiders, and he remained with the team for seven years. That stretch was followed by time with the Chargers, Saints (twice) and 49ers with a spell at USC in between. Morton’s first OC position in the pro game came in 2017 with the Jets. After a poor showing in his debut New York campaign, he was fired.
Morton then returned to the Raiders and spent time with them as a senior offensive assistant; he held that same role during his one campaign working with Campbell and the Lions. For the past two years, he worked with Sean Payton on the Broncos’ staff, overseeing the transition to a Bo Nix-led offense this past campaign. Denver’s success on that front did not generate coordinator interest from other teams, but it has now allowed him to receive a second OC opportunity at the NFL level.
Expectations will certainly be high for Morton in 2025. Ben Johnson oversaw Detroit’s offense for each of the past three years, and the unit ranked top-five in points and yards every campaign during that span. Once again, Johnson found himself as one of the hottest head coaching candidates in this year’s hiring cycle, one in which Campbell conceded a departure was more likely than before. Indeed, Johnson landed his first HC gig by taking charge of the Bears.
Much of the Lions’ offensive core will remain intact this offseason, with the likes of Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker and David Montgomery attached to extensions. Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams are on their rookie deals, meanwhile, so a high degree of continuity can be expected for next year. Given the changes on the sidelines, however, Detroit’s ability to remain among the league’s best on offense will be a talking point under Morton.