Detroit Lions Appoint John Morton as Offensive Coordinator
Detroit, MI – January 30, 2025
The Detroit Lions have officially announced the hiring of John Morton as their new offensive coordinator, following the departure of Ben Johnson, who recently accepted the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears.
John Morton’s Coaching Background
John Morton, 55, brings a wealth of experience to the Lions’ coaching staff. He most recently served as the passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos, where the team averaged 25.0 points per game, ranking 20th in the league’s passing offense.
Morton is no stranger to the Lions organization, having previously held the position of senior offensive assistant in 2022. His coaching career spans multiple teams and roles, including:
New York Jets (2017): Offensive Coordinator
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders: Wide Receivers Coach
San Francisco 49ers: Wide Receivers Coach
New Orleans Saints: Offensive Assistant
His diverse experience across various offensive roles is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the Lions’ offense.
Familiarity with the Lions and Coaching Staff
Morton’s prior stint with the Lions in 2022 provided him with valuable insight into the team’s dynamics and offensive strategies. Head Coach Dan Campbell has previously credited Morton for his contributions during that period, highlighting the positive impact he had on the team’s offensive development.
Additionally, Morton’s collaboration with Campbell dates back to their time together with the New Orleans Saints, further strengthening their professional relationship and mutual understanding of offensive philosophies.
Transition and Expectations
The departure of Ben Johnson, under whose guidance the Lions led the NFL in scoring with 33.2 points per game and set franchise records with 564 points and 15 regular-season wins, marks a significant change for the team.
However, Morton’s extensive experience and previous tenure with the Lions are expected to facilitate a smooth transition. His familiarity with the team’s personnel and offensive schemes should enable him to build upon the foundation laid by Johnson.
Fan Reactions
The hiring of Morton has elicited mixed reactions from the Lions’ fan base. Some supporters express optimism, citing his extensive coaching background and previous association with the team as positive indicators. Others had anticipated internal promotions, such as passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand or former wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El, and are curious to see how Morton’s leadership will influence the offense.
Looking Ahead
As the Lions prepare for the upcoming season, Morton’s appointment as offensive coordinator will be pivotal in shaping the team’s offensive identity. His task will be to maintain and enhance the high-scoring offense established in previous years, leveraging his experience and familiarity with the organization.
The Lions’ leadership and fans alike will be keenly observing how Morton’s strategies and play-calling impact the team’s performance as they aim to build upon their recent successes.
For more insights into John Morton’s appointment, you can watch the following video: click here
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