The shake-up in Detroit’s offensive command has been one of the most talked-about stories of the season. With head coach Dan Campbell reclaiming play-calling duties, offensive coordinator John Morton found himself in a demoted role — and now, he’s finally broken his silence.
In his comments on Thursday, Morton was refreshingly candid, yet deeply aligned with Detroit’s gritty “team first” culture. He said, > “As soon as [Campbell] said it — I’m like, ‘Alright, let’s go. What have we got to do?’ … It’s always been about the team, not me.”
Here are the key takeaways from Morton’s remarks:
➡️ Team over Self
Morton emphasized that personal ambitions don’t matter when the goal is winning. He said that having been cut six times and fired multiple times in his career, he is accustomed to the ups and downs and remains focused on the bigger picture.
➡️ Role Changed, Not Gone
While Morton no longer calls the plays, he confirmed his overall responsibilities remain intact. He’ll still influence the passing game heavily, work on game-planning, and support Campbell’s vision. “John is vital to me… that’s one of the things he does well,” Campbell said of Morton.
➡️ Mindset of a Fighter
Instead of reacting negatively, Morton framed the change as another challenge to overcome. He said he’s preparing each week “like I’m still calling it” — staying ready for any shift back into the role.
For Lions fans, this update brings a sense of stability. The transition could have created turmoil in the coaching staff, but Morton’s acceptance and professionalism suggest the offense is unified behind Campbell’s leadership. If the recent dominant performance (44-22 over the Commanders) is any indicator, this move is bearing fruit.
It’s clear the Lions believe this change was necessary — and reading Morton’s remarks, it’s just as clear he’s still fully committed. The pressure is on Campbell’s offense to keep this momentum going, but with Morton still in the fold, the groundwork remains.
It’s Not About Me’: John Morton Reacts to Dan Campbell Taking Over Play-Calling
