By Mummy Grace 
John Morton’s appointment as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator has stirred mixed reactions among fans and analysts. While it seems he and head coach Dan Campbell share a philosophical alignment, questions remain about how well Morton’s style will mesh with the Lions’ approach.
Morton’s coaching career dates back to 1998, mostly spent in the NFL. He’s spent much of his time as a position coach, and despite being a coordinator at USC and with the New York Jets, he has only had three seasons as an offensive coordinator. However, Morton’s 2022 stint with the Lions as a senior offensive assistant and his recent role as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator under Campbell’s mentor, Sean Payton, raise expectations about his fit.
At first glance, Morton seems a natural fit for Campbell’s offensive philosophy. But does this philosophical alignment truly exist, or is it more about potential?
Concerns Surrounding Morton’s Track Record
While it’s easy to say Morton is a safe, low-key hire, his history as a play caller raises some doubts. His past as a coordinator doesn’t inspire much confidence. Most notably, his tenure with the Jets was cut short after just one season. Reports from ESPN revealed that Morton’s pass-heavy approach didn’t sit well with then-head coach Todd Bowles, who felt the offense was too reliant on passing, especially in unfavorable conditions. Players also voiced frustrations with Morton’s playcalling, with one suggesting he operated as if coaching the Saints in a dome rather than managing the Jets’ personnel.
To Morton’s credit, the Jets’ offense in 2017 was far from impressive. Ranking 28th in total yards, 24th in scoring, and with a mid-tier rushing attack, Morton didn’t have much to work with. But despite those struggles, his inability to establish a consistent running game raised red flags.
In his two years as USC’s offensive coordinator, Morton oversaw offenses that were near the bottom in rushing attempts per game. His 2010 season was better overall, but Morton was relieved of playcalling duties after Lane Kiffin returned to USC, leading to his resignation.
Given these past struggles with balance and the ability to establish a solid ground game, concerns arise about how Morton will handle the heavy run-first philosophy Campbell has built in Detroit. While Campbell emphasized a collaborative approach, making it clear he won’t leave the offense entirely to his new coordinator, Morton’s past raises questions about his ability to design a balanced offense.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Morton’s true alignment with Campbell’s philosophy will only become clear once the 2025 season begins. The potential is there, but the lack of success in establishing a balanced offense in his previous stops leaves some fans wary. If Morton can adapt and implement Campbell’s vision, Detroit could have a strong, cohesive offense. If not, the Lions may find themselves questioning whether they made the right choice for the future.