Ben Johnson’s decision to leave the Detroit Lions for the Chicago Bears has left two teams notably disappointed: the Raiders and the Lions.

Johnson became one of the most crucial assistants in recent years for Detroit, responsible for calling plays for one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.

Before Johnson signed with Chicago, the Raiders were one of the teams reportedly linked to him. Now, with a vacancy at offensive coordinator, the Lions have turned to a familiar face—John Morton.

Morton entered the NFL as an undrafted wide receiver, later joining the Raiders’ practice squad on three separate occasions.

After retiring from playing, he transitioned into coaching, starting as an offensive assistant for the Raiders in 1998 and eventually working up to tight ends coach in 2004.

In 2019, Morton returned to the Raiders as a senior offensive assistant under Jon Gruden before joining Detroit in 2022.

He spent the last two seasons as the Denver Broncos’ pass game coordinator, and now he’s set to return to Detroit to call plays, per NFL Network.

Morton hasn’t been an offensive coordinator since his stint with the New York Jets in 2017, and his opportunities to call plays have been limited. It’s surprising the Raiders didn’t consider him for their offensive coordinator position, given his long history with the team and his brief role as Pete Carroll’s offensive coordinator at USC.

Taking over a job like this is complex, but it comes with significant appeal.

The Lions’ offense is loaded with talent, and they have a capable quarterback in Jared Goff. Head coach Dan Campbell is a strong leader, but he’ll rely on Morton to handle the offense.

The challenge for Morton lies in replacing Ben Johnson, who’s arguably been the most well-regarded offensive coordinator in recent years.

Johnson’s innovative play designs earned him widespread praise, and it’s uncertain whether Morton, an older coach, can maintain that level of creativity.

In his only season as a playcaller with the Jets, Morton’s offense averaged just 18.6 points per game, though he had much less talent to work with.

However, Morton has spent the last two years under the guidance of Sean Payton, one of the NFL’s top playcallers, which could give him some valuable insights. Additionally, Morton worked with Johnson on the Lions’ staff in 2022.

The Raiders, now led by head coach Pete Carroll, face a critical decision in hiring an offensive coordinator.

According to The Athletic’s Tashan Reed, Darrell Bevell, a long-time Carroll assistant, is the leading candidate for the job, despite being fired by Carroll in the past.

There’s also a chance the Raiders look outside of the usual pool of candidates.

Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has connections to general manager John Spytek and is seen as a rising star.

Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach for the Buffalo Bills and former Raiders wide receiver, could also be a name to watch.

Having worked with Sean Payton in New Orleans, Curry is a promising coach who may soon become an offensive coordinator.