The Detroit Lions might have found a replacement for Ben Johnson. As reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions are “in the process of hiring” John Morton as their next offensive coordinator.
Over the last two years, Morton has served under Dan Campbell’s mentor, Sean Payton, as the pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos. This season, Broncos rookie QB Bo Nix shined under Morton, starting all 17 games and ending with 3,775 yards, 29 passing touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 93.3.
Before that, Morton collaborated closely with Campbell, taking on the role of the Lions’ senior offensive assistant in 2022. Campbell acknowledged that Morton played a significant role in the development of Lions’ current pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as an offensive coach.
“Johnny’s become a superstar now, and there are several things he did for us last year that we continue to hold onto,” Campbell said in 2023. “I truly believe that it benefited Tanner as well.” He absorbed a great deal from it, learned from it, and has developed because of it.”
Morton also collaborated with Campbell for one year at the New Orleans Saints. In 2016, he worked as the wide receivers coach for the team while Campbell oversaw the tight ends.
Should he join Detroit, Morton will be responsible for maintaining the Lions’ explosive offense as one of the top in the NFL. In 2024, the Lions’ offense secured the top position in the NFL by setting a record for the highest points ever scored in franchise history.
Throughout the majority of Morton’s coaching journey—beginning in 1998 as an offensive assistant for the Raiders—he has been intimately involved with the wide receiver role. He served as a receivers coach at the University of San Diego (2005), USC (2007-10), San Francisco 49ers (2011-14), and the Saints (2015-16).
If appointed, this will mark Morton’s third tenure as an offensive coordinator. He worked as the Trojans’ OC/WR coach for one year alongside Pete Carroll (2009) and was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets for just one season in 2017 under Todd Bowles. Interestingly, that year the Jets’ defensive coordinator happened to be Kacy Rodgers, who was the Lions’ new defensive line coach.