By Blessing 
John Morton Gets a Second Shot as an NFL Offensive Coordinator with the Lions
John Morton is back in Detroit and ready to prove himself in his second stint as an NFL offensive coordinator. The newly appointed Lions OC has confirmed that he will be calling plays for the team, an opportunity he is embracing with excitement.
Dan Campbell’s Lessons from the Past
When Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media about the impending departure of former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, he reflected on lessons learned from past experiences—particularly from his decision to hire Anthony Lynn in 2021.
“Make sure that I am heavily involved in however we go. I am very offensive-heavy, I think is the best way to say that,” Campbell said. “Certainly picking, I am picking that, I need to have my checklist done. But then on top of that, I need to be part of the whole process. There’s a number of things, when that transition (of hiring Anthony Lynn in 2021) took place… So you kind of allow all those things to happen and then it’s a blind spot, and it shouldn’t be because that’s my area of expertise.”
With that in mind, the decision to bring in John Morton made a lot of sense. Morton had previously been part of Detroit’s coaching staff in 2022 before moving on to work under Sean Payton as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator. Now, he returns to the Lions with a wealth of experience and a clearer vision for leading an offense.
Morton’s Background and Previous Stint as a Play-Caller
Despite a long and respected coaching career, Morton has only been the primary play-caller once before—when he served as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017. That season wasn’t particularly successful, but it’s important to recognize the limitations of the roster he was working with. The fact that respected coaches like Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, and Jon Gruden have repeatedly hired him speaks volumes about his abilities.
Given Campbell’s history of stepping in when necessary—such as when he took over play-calling duties from Anthony Lynn in 2021—it was fair to wonder if he might do the same this time. Notably, Campbell didn’t officially announce Ben Johnson as the team’s play-caller in 2022 until the regular season was about to begin.
Morton Confirms He Will Be Calling Plays
In an interview with Dan Miller of Fox2, Morton expressed his gratitude for another opportunity to lead an offense.
“I think it’s an unbelievable opportunity just to get another chance,” Morton said. “Calling plays for the first time at the Jets, that was an experience. I’ve learned from that. But just being here at home. I grew up here, family’s still here. I understand what it takes. I’ve seen the ups, a lot of the downs. Barry Sanders, I grew up a Barry Sanders fan. But it’s really exciting for this opportunity. You don’t get too many of them, and I’m ready.”
When Miller asked him directly if he would be calling the plays, Morton confirmed, “I am, yes.”
What’s Different for Morton This Time?
This time around, Morton believes the situation is much better for him compared to his lone season with the Jets. He explained that when he was hired in New York, he didn’t get to build his own staff, which made his job more difficult.
“I just think that situation in New York, it was tough,” Morton said. “I was hired in and I had to keep the coaches, I didn’t know anybody there. Here I know people, they know me, I know them. We just finalized our staff. I was in on those interviews, and I can’t tell you how excited I am for the coaches that we have here now. It’s big.”
Continuity and familiarity with the staff can make all the difference for a coordinator, and Morton already has relationships with key figures in Detroit’s coaching room. Offensive line coach (now also run game coordinator) Hank Fraley and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell remain from the Lions’ staff when Morton was last in Detroit in 2022. This familiarity, along with his input in selecting new staff members like Tashard Choice and Tyler Roehl, puts him in a much better position to succeed.
A More Talented Roster to Work With
Perhaps the biggest advantage for Morton this time is the talent he has at his disposal. Unlike his time with the Jets, where he had limited offensive weapons, the Lions boast one of the best rosters in the NFL. Detroit’s offense has been one of the league’s most explosive units under Campbell, and with key pieces returning, Morton will have plenty of tools to work with.
While the team has undergone a fair amount of coaching turnover this offseason, the foundation remains strong. Morton will have a chance to build on what Johnson established and put his own stamp on an already successful unit.
As he steps into this new role, Morton is aware of the pressure but also sees it as an opportunity. The Lions are coming off one of their best seasons in decades, and expectations are high. But for Morton, this isn’t just about taking over an offense—it’s about proving that he’s learned from his past and is ready to thrive in this role.
Now, with full control of play-calling, he has the chance to show the football world what he can do.