By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s fiery head coach says John Morton will continue to “learn and grow” as the Lions roll with a winning formula.
Dan Campbell has never been shy about doing whatever it takes to get the best out of his team — even if it means juggling multiple responsibilities at once. After reclaiming offensive play-calling duties in Week 10, the Detroit Lions erupted for a 44–22 win over Washington, putting up more than 500 yards of total offense in a performance that reignited belief in Campbell’s leadership.
And while that success makes it unlikely he’ll hand the reins back any time soon, Campbell insists this isn’t a demotion for offensive coordinator John Morton — it’s a development opportunity.
A Familiar Blueprint from 2021
Campbell compared the current situation with Morton to the one he navigated four years ago with former offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn. Back then, Campbell stepped in as play-caller midseason and allowed then–passing game coordinator Ben Johnson to observe, learn, and grow into the role that would eventually make him one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds.
“But he watched, he learned, he saw how I ran it, how I wanted to run it, what I was looking for,” Campbell said Monday. “And then he evolved it from there. He took it, he knew exactly what I wanted, and by the middle of ’22, I didn’t have to say a word.”
That same hands-on mentoring process, Campbell said, is now underway with Morton.
“That’s kind of where John is right now, that’s all. It’s good,” he added. “Sometimes that’s the best way to really know what somebody’s looking for — just going through that. I just feel like it’s the right thing to do right now, and I’m going to do it.”
Team Effort Fuels Offensive Surge
Campbell, ever the straight-shooter, admitted he wasn’t flawless in his first game back as the Lions’ play-caller.
“Am I perfect? No, I’m not perfect. Players are going to have to bail me out. They bailed me out yesterday on a couple of things. Jared Goff bailed me out. The staff bailed me out. But that’s what teamwork’s about. We’ve got to all help each other out.”
That collaborative spirit, Campbell emphasized, is at the heart of Detroit’s success. He credited Morton’s behind-the-scenes work for helping identify key tendencies and passing game opportunities that proved crucial in the win.
“Johnny’s an asset for me,” Campbell said. “He gives me critical information as it pertains to some of the tendencies going into the game, tendencies during the game, pass game, things to look for, things to go to.”
The result was one of the Lions’ most balanced offensive showings of the season — efficient, dynamic, and unpredictable.
“We’ll See”: The Door Stays Ajar
Even as Campbell plans to call plays again this week against the Philadelphia Eagles, he’s made it clear that Morton’s time could come again. When asked if the offensive coordinator might resume play-calling duties next year, Campbell offered a coy but telling response.
“Yeah. Or who knows? Maybe sooner,” he said. “We’ll see.”
For now, though, the formula seems too effective to mess with. Campbell has rekindled the aggressive tempo and creative rhythm that defined Detroit’s offensive rise in 2022 — and his players appear to have rallied around it.
Balancing Leadership and Responsibility
Campbell acknowledged that wearing both the head coach and play-caller hats comes with its challenges. After Ben Johnson’s departure to the Chicago Bears, he considered taking over the role immediately but hesitated due to the added workload.
“There are only so many things someone can do and manage at once,” Campbell admitted. “I’ll get more efficient and I’ll get better at knowing what to do with my time. I’ve just got to be more efficient in some areas and probably delegate a little bit.”
That delegation includes leaning heavily on defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who Campbell praised for keeping his unit sharp and focused.
“Shep’s done a hell of a job, but I’m going to have to lean on him over there with that unit,” he said. “He’s earned that trust, and he’s been outstanding for us — those guys are cooking right now.”
Collaboration Over Control
If there’s one message Campbell wants to send, it’s that this isn’t about control — it’s about cohesion. The Lions’ offensive staff, from Morton to the position coaches, plays an integral role in shaping each week’s plan.
“This is collaborative and we’re all involved, and I need every one of those guys. Our offense needs all of them,” Campbell said.
And as long as the offense keeps humming and the players stay bought in, Campbell’s grip on the play sheet may not be loosening anytime soon — even if the door for John Morton remains just slightly ajar.