By Moses Joshua 
Inside the reshaping of Detroit’s football brain trust as Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes begin the most pivotal offseason of their tenure.
The NFL coaching carousel never truly stops spinning — it only slows down long enough for teams to catch their breath. For the Detroit Lions, the 2026 offseason represents a turning point. After a 9–8 finish and no playoff berth, the organization is already deep into evaluation mode, and the first domino has fallen with the dismissal of offensive coordinator John Morton.
What follows is a living snapshot of where things stand: the openings, the candidates, and the staff members suddenly drawing interest from around the league.
The Big Hole: Offensive Coordinator Vacancy
Detroit officially parted ways with John Morton after just one season, leaving one of the most important roles on the staff unfilled.
Morton’s tenure never quite synced with Dan Campbell’s vision. The move signals that the Lions want a different voice, different energy — and possibly a different structure entirely — running their offense in 2026.
Current Vacancy
- Offensive Coordinator — John Morton (fired)
Reported Candidates
- David Blough, Commanders assistant quarterbacks coach
Blough’s name surfaced early, though it remains unclear if a formal interview has taken place. The former Lions quarterback is respected around the league for his football IQ and was promoted to handle QB coaching duties late in Washington’s season.
His lack of play-calling experience raises eyebrows, but it also hints at something deeper: Campbell may be considering a more collaborative model rather than a traditional, all-powerful OC.
Lions Staff Drawing Outside Interest
Detroit isn’t just hiring — they’re also at risk of losing key personnel.
- Mike Disner, Lions COO
The Falcons have identified Disner as a candidate for their president of football operations role. His interview is scheduled for January 8, a notable development for a front office that has quietly become one of the league’s most respected.
Disner’s potential departure would represent a major off-field shift for the Lions, especially given his influence on contracts, cap management, and organizational structure.
The Falcons Factor: Where Lions Ties Keep Surfacing
The Falcons are rapidly becoming a central player in Detroit’s offseason narrative, and not just because of Disner.
Reported Candidates for Falcons President of Football Operations
- Matt Ryan, former Falcons quarterback — widely viewed as the favorite
- Josh Williams, 49ers director of scouting and football operations
- Brandt Tilis, Panthers executive vice president
- Ian Cunningham, Bears assistant GM (some around the league believe this is for Atlanta’s GM role, not president of football ops)
While these names are Atlanta-focused, they shape Detroit’s reality. Any movement here — especially with Disner — could create ripple effects across the Lions’ entire leadership structure.
Why This Tracker Matters
The Lions aren’t just filling a coordinator seat. They’re redefining how the organization operates after a season that fell short of expectations.
Campbell and Brad Holmes now face a dual challenge:
- Find the right offensive architect to stabilize — and elevate — a talented but inconsistent unit.
- Retain key executives and assistants while the rest of the league circles.
This tracker will evolve as interviews happen, jobs are filled, and unexpected names enter the conversation. For now, one thing is clear:
Detroit’s 2026 season is already being shaped — and it won’t be decided on the field alone.