By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s Search for Stability Leads to a Familiar Face
The Detroit Lions are reportedly on the verge of a key hire to maintain their offensive momentum, with Denver Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton emerging as the frontrunner for the offensive coordinator position. After weeks of speculation, Morton’s candidacy gained significant traction, as NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero confirmed Sunday that he interviewed with Lions head coach Dan Campbell.
Adding to the buzz, ESPN’s Adam Schefter declared on The Pat McAfee Show Monday that Morton was poised to replace Ben Johnson, who recently departed for a new opportunity. Schefter later doubled down with a follow-up report:
“Lions are working to hire Broncos pass game coordinator Johnny Morton as their offensive coordinator and the coach to replace Ben Johnson, per sources. He is traveling to Detroit to meet with the team. Morton worked in Detroit before and could soon be doing it again.”
A Familiar Name with Strong Ties to Detroit
Morton is no stranger to the Lions organization or to head coach Dan Campbell. Having served as a senior offensive assistant for Detroit in 2022, Morton left a strong impression, particularly on the Lions’ passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Campbell had high praise for Morton last year, calling him a “superstar” and crediting him with having a lasting influence on the team’s offensive strategy.
“John Morton, man, Johnny’s a superstar now,” Campbell said in 2023. “There’s a number of things that he did for us last year that are things that we’ve kept. And I really feel like that helped Tanner as well. And he took a lot of that, and he learned from that, and he’s grown from that.”
Campbell and Morton’s connection runs even deeper. The two worked together in 2016 with the New Orleans Saints, where Morton served as the wide receivers coach and Campbell was in his first year as tight ends coach under Sean Payton. This shared history and their time working under the same offensive system make Morton a natural fit for Detroit’s vacancy.
A Philosophical Match for Dan Campbell’s Vision
At the conclusion of the Lions’ season, Campbell emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity within the offense. His ideal candidate would not only align with the team’s existing philosophy but also build on the progress made under Johnson’s tenure. While Morton is technically an outside hire, his familiarity with the Lions’ system and his close alignment with Campbell’s vision make him a seamless addition.
Morton has also spent the past two years under Sean Payton in Denver, a role that further shaped his approach to designing and implementing passing game strategies. Payton’s influence, coupled with Morton’s experience, positions him as an excellent candidate to continue refining Detroit’s offensive prowess.
What’s Next for the Lions and John Morton?
If finalized, Morton’s hire would represent a calculated step forward for the Lions. With a solid foundation already in place, Morton’s task will be to preserve the system’s strengths while adding his own expertise to elevate the offense to the next level.
As Morton travels to Detroit to finalize the deal, Lions fans can feel optimistic about a hire that balances familiarity, innovation, and cohesion. For Campbell and his team, Morton represents not just a replacement but a bridge to sustained success.