By Moses Joshua 
John Morton Responds With Poise, Perspective, and a Team-First Mindset After Major Shift
A Veteran Coach Embraces a New Reality
Longtime NFL assistant John Morton is no stranger to the highs and lows of coaching. After earning his second shot as an offensive coordinator—this time with the Detroit Lions—Morton now finds himself operating without one of the role’s defining responsibilities: calling plays. But if the change bothered him, he didn’t show it. In fact, Morton made it clear he’s fully aligned with Detroit’s ultimate mission.
“I’m not going to say exactly how it went down because that’s private, but I fully support it,” Morton told reporters, emphasizing the humility and perspective that have defined his 20-plus years in the league. He added, “There’s some things that I’ve got to learn, no doubt, just like everybody else. But I’m going to do whatever it takes to win.”
For Morton, the shift isn’t a setback—it’s the next step in helping a team he believes is capable of something much bigger.
Campbell Takes Control — and Morton Marches Forward
Head coach Dan Campbell officially assumed play-calling duties in Week 10, a move that sparked Detroit’s best offensive performance of the season. While Morton didn’t divulge the details of the conversation that led to the change, his reaction spoke volumes about his professionalism.
“As soon as he said it, I’m like, ‘OK, let’s go.’ That’s the way I’ve always been in this business,” Morton said. “I’ve been cut six times, I’ve been fired, you just march on. Because it’s always about the team.”
That shared motto is more than familiar territory for Campbell and Morton. Their coaching paths first crossed in New Orleans in 2016 and reunited in Detroit in 2022, giving their partnership a sturdy foundation. Morton will continue to prepare the Lions’ offensive game plans while Campbell executes them on Sundays—an arrangement both sides appear committed to maximizing.
A Second Shot, a Tough Past, and a Promising Present
Before arriving in Detroit, Morton’s only other stint as an offensive coordinator came with the 2017 New York Jets—a season marked by quarterback instability and meager production. Even with those limitations, he walked away with valuable experience.
Now, the situation is radically different. Jared Goff is playing some of the best football of his career, the Lions boast one of the league’s deepest skill groups, and Morton’s offense ranks second in points and sixth in total yards. His contributions haven’t gone unnoticed.
“Listen, John Morton’s all team,” Campbell said earlier this week. “He just wants to win… and he was outstanding today.”
Campbell’s first game as play-caller backed that up: Detroit exploded for 44 points and 546 yards against Washington, setting a new season high in both categories. The rushing attack pounded out 226 yards, while the passing game produced 320—evidence that the offensive structure Morton helped build remains sturdy.
Team First — Always
Morton’s message never wavered: ego has no place in Detroit’s pursuit of a championship.
“It ain’t about me, my goals, this and that. No, the ultimate goal is to win the Super Bowl,” he said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to help this team win. We just keep marching forward.”
For a Lions franchise pushing toward the top of the NFC, Morton’s response may be just as important as Campbell’s decision. Detroit’s offensive identity is evolving—but its commitment to unity remains firm.