The Lions opted not to promote from within to replace offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but instead chose someone familiar with the team’s offensive system.
John Morton, who served as a senior offensive assistant in 2022, previously worked with Johnson before spending the last two seasons on Sean Payton’s staff in Denver. Morton also had experience working with quarterback Jared Goff in his prior role, and in an interview with Dan Miller of Fox 2 in Detroit, he stated that the offense he develops will “continue the vision” because it is “predicated on the quarterback.”
“I think it’s big because it all starts with the quarterback,” Morton explained. “Having worked with him when I was here, I was in the quarterback room, so I have a feel for what he likes and doesn’t like. That’s crucial as a play caller. We’ll continue when the players return, and I’ll get to know more about him and the plays that work best and what has been successful here.”
Morton is among several coaches in new roles on Dan Campbell’s staff following a wave of departures last month, and blending their new perspectives with the Lions’ past successes will be crucial for the team to remain a top contender in the NFC.
