Before joining the NFL in 1993, John Morton was already a dedicated Detroit Lions fan. The Auburn Hills native, who played at Western Michigan, admired former Lions running back Billy Sims and thought, “Wow, he’s amazing, he’s really good.”

When Morton began his coaching career in 1998 as an offensive assistant under former Raiders coach Jon Gruden, he never imagined he’d one day be part of the Lions coaching staff. However, in 2022, he joined Dan Campbell’s staff as an offensive assistant.

Fast forward to 2025, and Morton is back in Detroit, now serving as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, a position he calls a dream come true. “Yeah, it’s pretty cool, huh? It means the world. I just had my family over for dinner, and they’re just in awe,” Morton shared with reporters Tuesday. “It’s a dream, right? Not only am I an offensive coordinator, but I’m in my hometown. I don’t think that happens too often. It’s really cool.

I don’t see it as pressure; I know what the people are longing for. I know everybody’s hoping for a Super Bowl, but this town, I’ve seen both the highs and lows, from my first game at the Silverdome. My high school was right next to it, and I passed it all the time. I’ve seen it all. I know what it takes, and it’s my job to help get us there.”

Like Campbell and newly promoted defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, Morton is in Indianapolis for the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, where coaches will interview and evaluate prospects throughout the week. After former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson moved on to become the Bears’ head coach, Campbell conducted multiple interviews before selecting Morton, whom he already knew well from their time in Detroit and with Sean Payton’s staff at the Saints.

Back in Detroit, Morton is eager to take charge of the Lions’ offense. While coaching his hometown team is a dream come true, Morton admitted he never thought he’d end up in this role. “No. No, I never thought that,” Morton reflected. “I remember going to Oakland University to watch practices or going to the Silverdome to watch their open practices.

That’s when Barry Sanders was there. I was just amazed by him. He was on another level. Watching him, it was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ It didn’t matter if the play didn’t work; he made it work. We’ve got a few guys like that who can do the same. It’s just really cool.”