The Detroit Lions have made a bold move for the 2025 season, hiring John Morton as their new offensive coordinator. Morton, a Michigan native and NFL veteran, steps into one of the most coveted roles in football following Ben Johnson’s departure to become head coach of the Chicago Bears. With Johnson at the helm, the Lions boasted the NFL’s top-scoring offense in 2024 and the league’s second-best unit in total yardage. Now, Morton faces the daunting task of maintaining that high-octane standard while putting his own stamp on the team.
A homegrown talent with deep NFL roots
John Morton’s journey to the Lions is a homecoming of sorts. Born and raised in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and a graduate of Western Michigan, Morton brings a wealth of experience and a unique understanding of Detroit’s football culture. His resume spans nearly two decades, with stops under some of the NFL’s most influential minds, including Sean Payton, Jon Gruden, and Jim Harbaugh.
Morton’s most recent role as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator under Sean Payton saw him help revive Denver’s offense, making him a prime candidate for this promotion. Before that, he held offensive coordinator duties with the New York Jets in 2017, where he squeezed a career-best season out of veteran quarterback Josh McCown.
Reuniting with Dan Campbell and familiar faces
Morton isn’t a stranger to the Lions organization. He worked with head coach Dan Campbell in Detroit during the 2022 season, which also marked Ben Johnson’s first year as offensive coordinator. Campbell has long sung Morton’s praises, crediting him as an unsung hero behind Detroit’s offensive evolution.
“What Johnny Morton did for us on offense that year was pivotal,” Campbell said in 2022. “And it was behind the scenes. I’m not sure everybody understands just how important he was for us.”
The move also reunites Morton with Kacy Rodgers, Detroit’s new defensive line coach, who served as the defensive coordinator for the Jets during Morton’s lone year as OC there.
Can Morton sustain Detroit’s offensive dominance?
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Morton as he steps into a system that flourished under Johnson’s leadership. With the Lions’ offense led by star quarterback Jared Goff, a dynamic receiving corps, and a powerful run game, Morton inherits the tools for success—but also immense pressure to deliver results.
Morton’s track record suggests he’s capable. His time with elite coaches like Payton and Gruden has provided him with a deep understanding of innovative offensive schemes. Moreover, his Michigan roots and ties to the Lions organization make him a natural fit for a team hungry to build on its recent success.
A critical season for the Lions
For a franchise on the rise, this hire is more than just a coaching change—it’s a statement. Detroit’s explosive offense has been the cornerstone of its resurgence, and Morton’s ability to maintain or even elevate that level of play will be crucial. With high expectations and a fan base craving sustained success, Morton’s return to his home state marks the start of a new chapter in Lions history.
What lies ahead
The Lions now turn their attention to the offseason, where Morton will begin crafting his vision for the offense. The challenge ahead is steep, but with his wealth of experience and familiarity with the organization, Morton seems poised to tackle it head-on.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Detroit’s offense to see if Morton can keep the Lions roaring at the top of the NFL.