Detroit Lions Part Ways with Offensive Coordinator John Morton

The Detroit Lions have officially moved on from former offensive coordinator John Morton, marking a significant shift in the team’s coaching structure. This decision came shortly after the conclusion of their 2025 season, which ended without a playoff berth. The move was not entirely unexpected, as Morton had already lost his play-calling responsibilities to head coach Dan Campbell following a tough performance in Week 9.

Campbell took over the play-calling duties for the remainder of the season, signaling a change in direction for the offense. Despite Morton’s expressed desire to stay with the Lions, the organization chose a different path. However, Morton did not remain out of work for long. He has since joined the Denver Broncos as a consultant, working under head coach Sean Payton.

A Return to Familiar Ground

Morton previously worked with the Broncos as their passing game coordinator during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. His return to the organization comes at an exciting time, as the Broncos are set to face the New England Patriots in the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, starting quarterback Bo Nix will be sidelined due to a season-ending ankle injury, meaning backup Jarrett Stidham will take the field.

Before the start of the 2025 season, Payton expressed his support for Morton’s new role with the Lions. He acknowledged the close-knit nature of the football community and praised Morton’s work ethic.

“Johnny is a tremendous worker. He’ll be the last one out, first one in in the morning. I’m happy for not only Johnny, but there are a number of guys this year that just seemed to like multiply,” Payton said. “It’s good to see some of them here, like (Aaron) Glenn. It’s good to see them in these positions because those guys obviously were loyal and worked extremely hard for me at one point. So it’s good to see.”

Decline in Performance Under Morton

Under Morton’s leadership, the Lions experienced a decline in both points per game and yards per game. His tenure saw a noticeable drop in offensive efficiency, prompting the team to make a change. Morton was not the first offensive coordinator to lose his play-calling duties to Campbell; Anthony Lynn faced a similar fate in 2021.

Dan Campbell’s Uncertainty About Play Calling

Following Morton’s departure, Campbell addressed his potential role in the play-calling process. Before hiring Drew Petzing as the new offensive coordinator, Campbell expressed uncertainty about whether he would continue handling the play-calling himself.

“I mean, I’m open to anything. I don’t know exactly where I’m at with that yet. I mean, I guess one of the good things if I did do that, you don’t have to worry about somebody else leaving,” Campbell said. “You don’t have to worry about your playcaller leaving. So, that would be one of the perks of it.”

However, Campbell emphasized that his decisions would be based on what he believes is best for the team. “If I believe that’s what’s best for us and I feel good about it, then I will. If I just feel like, ‘Eh,’ then I won’t do it. I won’t do it.”

Looking Ahead

As the Lions prepare for the future, the focus will be on rebuilding their offensive strategy under new leadership. With Petzing now in charge, the team will look to regain its footing and improve its performance on the field. The departure of Morton marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for fresh ideas and new directions.