John Morton is back with the Lions, ready for his second shot as an NFL offensive coordinator.

As Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell discussed his expectations of losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (which occurred shortly before the day ended), he reflected on lessons learned from hiring Anthony Lynn as his first offensive coordinator in 2021.

“Make sure I’m heavily involved in whatever we do. I’m very offensive-focused, that’s the best way to put it,” Campbell explained. “Certainly, picking, I’m in charge of that, I need to check everything off. But I also need to be part of the entire process. When that transition (of hiring Anthony Lynn in 2021) happened… You allow certain things to happen, and then it becomes a blind spot, and it shouldn’t be because that’s my expertise.”

When it comes to hiring someone from outside to replace Johnson, John Morton is about as good a choice as possible. Morton was part of the Lions’ staff in 2022 before spending two years as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator under Campbell’s mentor, Sean Payton.

Morton has called plays only once in his long coaching career—during his time as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017. The results weren’t ideal, but the talent around him wasn’t great either. The fact that three top offensive minds (Payton, Jim Harbaugh, Jon Gruden) have hired him multiple times speaks to his abilities.

However, there was some question whether Campbell might take over play calling again, like he did when he demoted Lynn during the 2021 season. He also didn’t confirm that Johnson would call plays in 2022 until the season started.

Morton spoke with Dan Miller of Fox2 in an interview that aired Monday evening. The Lions’ radio play-by-play announcer began by asking Morton for his general thoughts on returning to the Lions, and coming back to his home state.

“I think it’s an incredible opportunity just to get another shot,” Morton said. “Calling plays for the first time with the Jets, that was an experience. I’ve learned from it. But being back here at home, my family’s still here. I get what it takes. I’ve seen the highs and lows. Barry Sanders—grew up a fan. But this opportunity is exciting. You don’t get many chances like this, and I’m ready.”

Miller pressed Morton for confirmation that he would be calling plays, to which Morton firmly responded, “I am, yes.”

Miller then asked Morton what’s different this time as an offensive coordinator. Morton had a short stint with the Jets, as Todd Bowles had a new offensive coordinator each of his last three years. The offensive staff Morton had stayed intact, making his job more difficult.

“I just think the situation in New York was tough,” Morton explained. “I was brought in and had to keep the coaches, and I didn’t know anyone there. Here, I know people, they know me, we’re familiar. We just finalized our staff, and I can’t tell you how excited I am for the coaches we have now. It’s huge.”

Though the Lions have had significant turnover on their coaching staff this offseason, offensive line coach (and now run game coordinator) Hank Fraley and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell are still with the team from Morton’s 2022 tenure.

As Morton noted, he had input in selecting the offensive staff around him (Tashard Choice, Tyler Roehl). Having more talent to work with this time will also be a major advantage in his second opportunity as a play-caller.