Detroit Lions have made their decision by selecting John Morton, who previously served as the Denver Broncos’ pass game coordinator, to take over as their new offensive coordinator. This was confirmed by sources who shared the update with ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
After arriving in Detroit on Monday for a meeting with the team, Morton officially signed his deal the following morning, according to those familiar with the matter.
Ben Johnson, who had been calling plays for the Lions, is no longer with the team after accepting a job as head coach of the Chicago Bears. Morton has now been brought in to take on Johnson’s former duties.
Detroit is already familiar with Morton’s coaching style. He was previously on Dan Campbell’s staff in 2022, serving as a senior offensive assistant. The next year, he moved to work with Sean Payton and the Broncos.
Past Work with Familiar Names
Back in 2016, Morton also served as the wide receivers coach for the New Orleans Saints. That was during a time when Sean Payton led the team and Dan Campbell worked there as the assistant head coach while also overseeing the tight ends.
His experience calling plays goes beyond just his assistant roles. Morton handled offensive coordinator duties with the New York Jets during the 2017 season. He also held that same role at the college level for USC from 2009 through 2010.
Changes on Both Sides of the Ball
It’s not only the offensive side of the ball that has seen changes for the Lions this month. Their defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, was hired as the new head coach for the New York Jets.
The Lions quickly adjusted by promoting Kelvin Sheppard, who had been the linebackers coach, to oversee the defense. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler confirmed this move on Saturday after it was first reported by NFL Network.
More Moves Around the League
Morton’s new job in Detroit marks the second time this offseason that an assistant coach from Denver has stepped into an offensive coordinator role elsewhere.
ESPN’s Courtney Cronin shared on Sunday that Declan Doyle, who coached tight ends for the Broncos, will now work under Ben Johnson as the offensive coordinator for the Bears.
