By Mummy Grace 
The Detroit Lions may be turning to a familiar face for their vacant offensive coordinator position following Ben Johnson’s move to become the Chicago Bears’ head coach. According to reports, Denver Broncos pass game coordinator John Morton has emerged as a strong candidate to step into the role and continue building on the Lions’ offensive success.
Morton, 55, brings a wealth of coaching experience spanning over two decades. His NFL journey began in 1998 with the Oakland Raiders, where he worked as an offensive assistant and later as the tight ends coach. Over the years, he has served in various roles, including wide receivers coach for the Saints and 49ers, offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2017, and senior offensive assistant under Lions head coach Dan Campbell in 2022. Morton joined Sean Payton’s staff in Denver in 2023 as the Broncos’ pass game coordinator, further enhancing his reputation for offensive innovation.
The Lions are seeking continuity after a breakout year offensively, where Johnson’s leadership helped elevate the team into one of the NFL’s top-performing units. Morton’s familiarity with Campbell’s coaching style and his deep knowledge of offensive schemes make him a natural fit to step into this high-stakes role.
Should Morton land the job, he will be tasked with maintaining the Lions’ offensive momentum while also adapting the system to maximize the team’s talent, including star players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs. With the Lions entering the 2025 season as a rising contender, the decision on their next offensive coordinator will be critical in ensuring the team’s continued success.
Morton’s consideration adds to a trend of Denver Broncos staff gaining interest across the league, including defensive coordinator Vance Joseph and tight ends coach Declan Doyle, highlighting Sean Payton’s strong coaching tree. As Dan Campbell evaluates candidates, the Lions’ decision could mark a pivotal moment for their championship aspirations.