The Detroit Lions officially made a significant offseason move on Monday, parting ways with offensive coordinator John Morton after a disappointing end to the 2025 season. While the decision was not unexpected, it signals another pivotal moment for head coach Dan Campbell as the franchise looks to regain its footing after missing the playoffs.
Morton’s dismissal comes after Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties midway through the season, a move that strongly hinted at the direction the organization was headed. Detroit finished the year 9–8 and failed to qualify for the postseason after winning the NFC North in each of the previous two seasons and earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC just a year ago. For a team with championship aspirations, the step backward was impossible to ignore.
Campbell acknowledged throughout the season that the offense lacked consistency, particularly in key moments. The midseason decision to reclaim play-calling responsibilities reflected his urgency to stabilize the unit and spark improvement. While there were flashes of progress, the late surge wasn’t enough to save the season — or Morton’s job.
The move means Campbell will now be searching for his third offensive coordinator in three seasons. Former OC Ben Johnson departed a little over a year ago to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, where he quickly found success by leading Chicago to an NFC North title. Since then, the Lions have struggled to replicate the same level of offensive identity and creativity that once made them one of the league’s most dangerous units.
Morton brought more than two decades of NFL coaching experience to Detroit, with stops in Denver, Las Vegas, New York (Jets), New Orleans, San Francisco, and previously with the Lions. Before being hired by Campbell, Morton served as Denver’s passing game coordinator for two seasons. Despite his résumé, the partnership in Detroit never fully clicked.
Looking ahead, Campbell has not yet committed to whether he will continue calling plays next season. That decision could shape the Lions’ coaching search, as Detroit weighs whether it wants a traditional offensive coordinator or a collaborator who complements Campbell’s hands-on approach.
With key roster decisions looming and expectations still high inside the building, the Lions’ next offensive hire may be one of the most important of Campbell’s tenure. After a season that fell short of standards, Detroit is clearly intent on resetting — and doing so quickly.
