Detroit Lions Hire John Morton as New Offensive Coordinator

A New Leader for the Offense One week after Ben Johnson officially took over as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, the Detroit Lions wasted no time in securing his replacement. On Tuesday, head coach Dan Campbell appointed Denver Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton as the team’s new offensive coordinator, as reported by Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Morton’s Path to Detroit Morton quickly emerged as a strong candidate following Johnson’s departure, securing an interview shortly after the position became vacant. Just two days later, his hiring was confirmed. Morton previously worked alongside Campbell in 2016 when both were on the New Orleans Saints’ coaching staff, with Morton serving as the wide receivers coach.

A Second Chance to Lead an Offense At 55, Morton gets another opportunity as an offensive coordinator following two impressive seasons with the Broncos. He played a crucial role in the development of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 2024. Despite a slow start, Nix’s strong second half of the season made him a top candidate for Rookie of the Year, reflecting Morton’s influence on the young quarterback’s growth.

Morton brings nearly 30 years of coaching experience, primarily as an offensive assistant. His only prior stint as an NFL offensive coordinator came with the New York Jets in 2017. Now, he has the opportunity to lead a high-powered Lions offense that ranked among the league’s best last season.

A Homecoming for Morton Beyond his coaching experience, Morton’s move to Detroit marks a return to his roots. A native of Auburn Hills, Michigan, he now has the chance to coach in his home state for the first time since playing college football at Western Michigan in 1992.

Coaching Changes Across the League Morton isn’t the only former Broncos assistant making moves this offseason. On Monday, Johnson hired 28-year-old Declan Doyle from Sean Payton’s staff as his new offensive coordinator in Chicago. At just 28, Doyle becomes the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL.

Lions’ Coaching Staff Takes Shape for 2025 Campbell entered the offseason facing significant coaching turnover, losing both his offensive and defensive coordinators. Shortly after Johnson left for the Bears, the New York Jets hired former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their next head coach.

To replace Glenn, Campbell moved quickly, promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Sheppard, a rising star in the coaching ranks, has been with the Lions throughout his coaching career and will enter just his fifth season as a coach in 2025.

Challenges Ahead for Detroit The coaching shake-up is just one of many challenges facing the Lions this offseason. Detroit will also have to navigate a tough free agency period, with 22 players set to hit the open market. Key names include Carlton Davis, Kevin Zeitler, Derrick Barnes, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Marcus Davenport, among others.

Following a franchise-best 15-2 regular season in 2024, the Lions’ playoff run came to a sudden halt in the NFC Divisional Round. Now, with new coordinators and significant roster turnover looming, Campbell and his staff will have to overcome major hurdles to replicate last season’s success in 2025.