The Detroit Lions were arguably the most dominant team in the NFL during the regular season. Their success, which saw them clinch the NFC North title and secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture, was fueled by an explosive offense that led the league with an average of 33.2 points per game.
However, their season ended abruptly in the divisional playoffs, where they suffered a 45-31 loss at home to the red-hot Washington Commanders. Despite being able to move the ball effortlessly, as they had all season, Lions quarterback Jared Goff struggled with turnovers, throwing 3 interceptions, although the offense remained dynamic.
Following that defeat, Detroit’s coaching staff has been raided by rival NFL teams, with the Chicago Bears making the most significant move by hiring offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach.
Johnson, who was named the league’s top assistant coach this season, was a creative play-caller who helped the Lions reach their peak level of performance in 2024. Now, the Lions are in need of a new offensive coordinator, and Denver Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton has emerged as a leading candidate, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
The Broncos had a solid season, securing a spot in the AFC playoffs for the first time since 2015. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix won the starting job early in the year and helped the team rank 10th in scoring with an average of 27.1 points per game.
The Broncos also showcased a strong passing attack, as Nix completed 376 of 567 passes for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. However, the running game struggled, with Javonte Williams leading the team with 513 rushing yards and a 3.7 yards per carry average, while Jaleel McLaughlin added 496 yards at 4.4 yards per carry.
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton emerged as a key weapon, catching 81 passes for 1,081 yards and 8 touchdowns, while Marvin Mims contributed 39 catches for 503 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Morton’s impact on the Broncos’ passing game was instrumental in their success.
With a lengthy coaching resume that includes stints with the Packers, Raiders, Jaguars, Chargers, 49ers, Saints, Jets, and Lions, Morton joined the Broncos after a brief, tumultuous tenure as the Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017. He lasted just one season in that role, as the Jets finished 24th in scoring and 28th in total yards before parting ways with him.