• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

Broncos Passing Game Coordinator John Morton Takes on Role as Lions OC

Some coaching trees remain stagnant, but Sean Payton’s continues to expand with several moves this offseason.

Dan Campbell, who previously worked with Payton at the Saints before reviving the Detroit Lions, has benefitted from their connection in recent transactions.

Looking to replace Ben Johnson, Campbell hired Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton as the new offensive coordinator on Tuesday, according to a source.

Morton, who worked with Campbell in 2022 with the Lions, played a role in helping the Broncos offense improve over the past two years under Payton, which included the development of rookie quarterback Bo Nix in 2024.

When Johnson became the Bears’ head coach last week, he too turned to the Broncos, possibly influenced by Campbell’s suggestion, or just by chance.

He hired Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle as his offensive coordinator. Johnson will call the plays, but Doyle will help quarterback Caleb Williams in his second season.

Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who also worked under Payton in New Orleans, began receiving head coaching interview requests during the most recent hiring cycle.

Several Broncos assistants and executives have had interviews this offseason, including defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, special teams assistant Chris Banjo, and senior personnel executive David Shaw.

Defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard, a former NFL player and college coordinator, has also drawn interest, but will stay with the Broncos.

Currently, the Broncos have four vacant positions after parting ways with linebackers coach Greg Manusky on Tuesday, per a source. Special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica was let go right after the season.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *