If you’ve been following the Detroit Lions this season, you already know the story: offensive coordinator John Morton is on thin ice. The big news? Head coach Dan Campbell decided to take over play-calling himself, and honestly, it feels like Morton’s eviction from the sideline was inevitable.
The Lions’ offense exploded the moment Campbell grabbed the reins. Scoring on their drives, avoiding sacks, and finally showing some real spark—it became painfully clear that Morton wasn’t getting the job done. It wasn’t just a bad stretch; it was a pattern that couldn’t be ignored. And in the NFL, when a head coach has the confidence (and the guts) to take over calling plays, it sends a very clear message: changes are coming.
So, what does this mean for Detroit moving forward? Naturally, the team will need a replacement for Morton, but here’s the kicker—Campbell doesn’t have to look far. Enter Mark Brunell.
Brunell has been with the Lions since 2021 as the quarterbacks coach, working closely with Jared Goff. And if you’ve watched Goff this season, you’ve seen how much his game has evolved. That’s no coincidence. Brunell, a former NFL quarterback himself, knows the nuances of leading an offense and has a long-standing trust with Campbell dating all the way back to their 2009 season with the Saints. That kind of chemistry? It’s rare, and in this case, it’s priceless.
While other names like offensive line coach Hank Fraley or assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery could also step in, Brunell feels like the natural fit. He understands the offense, the players, and, most importantly, the Campbell way of doing things. Promoting him wouldn’t just fill a vacancy—it would provide continuity, stability, and a boost to a Lions team that has finally started to find its rhythm.
At the end of the day, Morton’s exit may be a bitter pill, but Detroit fans can take comfort in knowing the replacement is already on staff. Campbell made his power move, the eviction was inevitable, and now it’s time for Brunell to rise. Lions nation, buckle up—this could be the start of something very exciting.
