Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently explained his decision to assume play-calling responsibilities during the team’s Week 10 clash with the Washington Commanders — a move that paid off in a big way.

After the Lions’ offense had hit a midseason slump, Campbell decided to step in for offensive coordinator John Morton and personally handle the play selection. The change immediately energized the offense. Against a struggling Washington defense, Detroit produced its most explosive outing of the season — piling up a season-best 546 total yards, scoring 44 points, and finding the end zone on every possession except the game-ending drive.

Following the team’s 44–22 victory, Campbell detailed why he made the switch and emphasized that Morton remained deeply involved in the process.

“I just wanted to mix things up a bit,” Campbell said. “I have a vision for how I want things to look and how I want them executed. But make no mistake, it was still a team effort — John and the rest of the staff were giving input throughout. I just felt a fresh voice calling plays might help us find some rhythm, and that’s really all there was to it.”

Campbell made the decision to take over after the Lions’ loss to the Vikings, in which Detroit managed only 65 rushing yards — their seventh-lowest total since Campbell became head coach. Over the prior three games, they had averaged just 21.7 points per contest.

“When you’re the head coach, you have a clear image of how you want the offense to function,” Campbell added. “It’s one thing to communicate that, but it’s hard for someone else to see inside my head. I just felt I had a strong sense of our players, their strengths, and what they can do.”

This wasn’t Campbell’s first time stepping in as play-caller. During his first season leading the Lions in 2021, he also took over those duties from then–offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, and the team’s performance noticeably improved — finishing the season 3–3 over the final six games. Lynn and the Lions mutually parted ways afterward.

However, Campbell stressed that this situation with Morton is different, making clear that his coordinator remains a vital part of Detroit’s offensive operation.

“John’s incredibly valuable to me,” Campbell said. “He’s a huge part of our passing game — that’s his specialty, his strength. He provides key insight and information, and I couldn’t be happier to have him here.”

Campbell also praised Morton’s professionalism and team-first attitude.

“John’s all about the team,” he continued. “He just wants to win and contribute wherever he can. I’m sure it’s not easy for him, but he’s handled it like a pro. He was fantastic today.”

While Campbell didn’t commit to whether he’ll keep calling plays for the rest of the season, he suggested that the current setup — with him heavily involved — will likely continue.

“I really like how our staff is structured right now,” Campbell said. “The players are responding well, and I think there’s a lot of room for us to keep improving from here.”