By Blessing 
Everything You Need to Know From Lions OC John Morton’s Training Camp Presser
On Monday morning, new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton stepped up to the podium before the team’s seventh training camp practice. Now settling into his new role, Morton delivered an open and insightful media session that gave fans and reporters alike a better understanding of his mindset heading into the 2025 season.
Here are six key takeaways from Morton’s press conference — and why they matter for the Lions.
1. No Vacation, Just Preparation
Morton’s commitment to his job runs deep — so deep that he barely took a break this offseason. According to him, most of his spring and summer were spent doing a personal deep-dive into Detroit’s offensive identity, self-scouting what the team did during OTAs, and getting a game plan ready for the year ahead.
“I really didn’t go on vacation this year, until the last 10 days,” Morton shared. “I was just in here looking at what we did in OTAs and things like that, and looking at our defense. I basically game-planned our defense. I want to put this guy here, I want to put that guy there. We want to do this versus that, because I think that’s important. I want them to see where I’m coming from, what I’m going to do during the season. So, if that means me getting here early like I always do, so be it.”
That level of preparation — even game-planning against his own team’s defense — says a lot about how seriously Morton is taking this opportunity.
2. Get Ready for the Deep Ball
Morton didn’t hold back when talking about his offensive philosophy — especially when it comes to airing it out. Known for his affinity for the deep pass, Morton made it clear that he plans to test Detroit’s receivers downfield more often this year.
“I’m isolating guys. I want to give them the chance, so I’m taking more shots,” he said. “Plus, I want to see who can do it and then make the corrections, whether it’s a technique error, something like that. I’m all about that, because we have the guys that can do it. So, if you got them, utilize them”
For fans eager to see more vertical action, this was music to their ears — especially with speedster Jameson Williams showing signs of a breakout.
3. Calling Plays From the Booth
Unlike former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Morton said he intends to call plays from the booth during games — at least for now.
“I’m going to be upstairs, so I can see it all away from all the chaos,” Morton explained.
It’s worth noting that he was asked specifically about the preseason, when sidelines can be especially hectic with 30+ extra players in uniform. He didn’t rule out a sideline shift in the regular season, but for now, he prefers the calm, bird’s-eye view.
As for his play-calling ability, Morton is well aware that some fans and analysts have questioned his experience — he only previously called plays regularly during his stint with the Jets in 2017. But he exuded quiet confidence on Monday.
“I’m good. I feel very comfortable this second time around,” he said. “Very confident. I get the plays in and out, I’m on it. I’ve learned a lot since then, so I feel really good.”
4. Glasgow Looks Like the Center
While rookie Tate Ratledge opened camp taking snaps at center, it’s Graham Glasgow who’s now spent the past four practices in that role. Ratledge has shifted back to right guard — the position he played in college.
Morton didn’t announce anything official, but he strongly hinted that Glasgow feels like the right fit in the middle.
“I think that’s more natural for him, because that center and quarterback, that needs to be right,” Morton explained. “The quarterback has got to feel right right there. I do like the way it’s going right now. It’s still early, the more we do it, the better we’re going to get.”
Head coach Dan Campbell mentioned last week that Ratledge would still get some work at center, but so far, Glasgow’s been the guy.
5. Ratledge Still Impressing
Despite moving Ratledge back to guard, Morton had plenty of praise for the rookie’s early work at center.
“I love how smart he is. He’s just going to continue to grow,” Morton said. “I thought he did an exceptional job when he was at center, I mean, that’s a lot mentally. Different snap counts, and audible. It was a lot, I thought he did a pretty good job. I’m real happy where he’s at.”
Even if Ratledge doesn’t start at center this season, it’s clear that the team values his intelligence and versatility — both key traits for a long-term contributor.
6. Trick Plays Aren’t Going Anywhere
Some fans grew frustrated with the Lions’ use of trick plays late in the 2024 season — especially after a failed gadget play involving Jameson Williams in the postseason. But if anyone expected a major shift, Morton quickly put that to rest.
When asked if trick plays were still part of the playbook, he emphasized that aggression is here to stay.
“I’m going to do what Dan—whatever he wants. But we’re going to have everything,” Morton said. “We’re going to have everything, so, we’re going to continue to do those things, because it has worked. We’re going to run things—whatever was working, we’re going to continue to do that.”
Final Thoughts
John Morton’s first extended public appearance as Detroit’s offensive coordinator offered a lot to digest — and plenty to be excited about. From a deepened commitment to film study, to his belief in vertical passing and continued creativity, Morton is showing early signs that he’s ready to build off Ben Johnson’s foundation while adding his own twist.
Lions fans have been asking: Can Detroit’s offense take the next step? If Morton’s press conference is any indication, the answer might be yes — and it might be explosive.