By Moses Joshua 
Detroit’s offensive coordinator responds with humility, grit, and a commitment to winning after Dan Campbell reclaims play-calling duties.
A Team-First Mindset Amid Change
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton didn’t flinch when head coach Dan Campbell informed him last week that he would be taking back play-calling duties. Instead, Morton leaned into the same mantra he has repeated throughout the season — even during Detroit’s offensive highs: it’s all about the team.
“I want to do whatever it takes to win,” Morton said, reflecting on the moment Campbell broke the news. “As soon as (Campbell) said (it)—I’m like alright, let’s go. What have we got to do? That’s the way I’ve always been in this business. I’ve been cut six times, I’ve been fired. Man, you just march on because it’s always about the team… It’s not about me. The ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl.”
His outlook mirrors the very reason Campbell entrusted him with the role in the first place. Even after making the difficult switch, Campbell was quick to praise Morton, emphasizing the coordinator’s value and unwavering dedication.
“John is vital to me,” Campbell said after Detroit’s win over Washington. “He gives me critical information that deals with the pass game. That, number one, is his baby… He’s good. I’m glad he’s here.”
Resilience Forged Through Adversity
Morton’s perspective stems from years of battling through the margins of the NFL — both as a player and coach. Recalling his own journey, he talked about treating the setback like any demoted player would be expected to.
“You’re going to keep fighting. Right? That’s what we do. That’s what the Lions do,” Morton said. “This organization’s been awesome, and they live off grit, adversity, fighting through it. That’s me. My dad worked for GM for 30-something years… I saw him work on the assembly line forever. So that’s all I know.”
His message was clear: detours don’t derail competitors. They sharpen them.
Learning on the Sidelines — And Staying Ready
Despite the change, Morton’s responsibilities within the offense remain largely the same — minus holding the play sheet. And Campbell has left the door open for Morton to regain those duties, even as early as later this season.
Morton, for his part, plans to be ready.
“I just prepare like I’m doing it,” he said. “Like I did last week, I’m preparing like I’m calling the game… I help him with that. So, I’m approaching it like I’m still calling it.”
Watching from the sideline, he said, has already helped him see new nuances in how the Lions structure their offensive rhythm.
“I can see certain calls set up this and that,” he noted. “How they’ve done it here, which has worked really well… That’s the biggest thing I caught from it.”
Focused on the Bigger Prize
Morton’s response — grounded, unwavering, and team-oriented — reflects a culture Detroit has worked tirelessly to build under Campbell: humility, grit, and unity above ego. Whether he calls plays again this season or not, Morton says his mission remains the same.
He prepares like a play-caller. He works like he never lost the title. And above all, he keeps the focus on where the Lions hope to go in 2024.
Because for Morton, it really isn’t about him.
It’s about the team — and about winning.