New Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton is only weeks into his first training camp in Motown, but it hasn’t taken him long to identify the team’s greatest strength heading into the 2025 season — and no, it’s not just the talent.
For Morton, a veteran coach with stops across the NFL and college ranks, the thing that’s stood out most isn’t about X’s and O’s — it’s about grit and football IQ.
“This is a tough team,” Morton said after a recent padded practice. “They’re smart. They’re physical. They care about doing the little things right. And when you have that foundation, it gives you the chance to build something special.”
Morton was hired this offseason to elevate Detroit’s already-productive offense. But before diving into deep playbook installs and fancy route trees, he made a point to assess the culture. What he found, he says, is a team built in the image of head coach Dan Campbell: physically dominant, mentally sharp, and laser-focused.
“This group plays with a chip on their shoulder,” Morton added. “There’s no fear. And they communicate really well — quarterback to line, backs to receivers. That’s not common this early in camp.”
The Lions ranked among the NFL’s best in offensive output last year, and Morton’s arrival signals an intent to take things even further. His reputation as a creative thinker — and his background with coaches like Jon Gruden — gives Detroit a new edge. But he’s not reinventing the wheel. Instead, he’s refining what already works and trusting the players to do what they do best.
Among the early standouts for Morton are veterans like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta, who have all shown leadership and execution in practice. But Morton also pointed to the offensive line as a unit that truly defines Detroit’s toughness — calling it one of the best, most cohesive groups he’s worked with.
With the preseason just around the corner, Morton is excited about what lies ahead. He’s not making bold predictions, but he’s confident that this team’s identity — that combination of brains and brawn — is what will set them apart.
“If we keep stacking days like this, if we keep communicating and playing smart, physical football — we’ll like where this thing ends up,” Morton said.
“Tough and Smart” — John Morton Sees Winning Formula in Lions’ DNA
