Lions Finalize Hiring of Former Assistant as New Offensive Coordinator
ALLEN PARK, MI – In a stunning yet calculated move, the Detroit Lions have finalized their decision to bring back former assistant John Morton as the team’s new offensive coordinator. The hiring comes after a tumultuous couple of weeks for the Lions, who saw their hopes for a Super Bowl berth dashed in the divisional round of the playoffs, and were subsequently hit with the loss of their two key coordinators.
Despite the playoff loss, the Lions were still riding high on the momentum of a promising season, but their playoff run ended abruptly, leaving many questions hanging over the franchise’s immediate future. In what might be seen as a necessary move to stabilize the team’s offensive identity moving forward, Detroit’s front office reached back into its own past for a solution. John Morton, a senior offensive assistant for the Lions, will now take on the role of offensive coordinator.
A Familiar Face
John Morton is no stranger to the Lions’ organization. He served on the coaching staff as an assistant coach, contributing to the team’s offensive strategies. His previous experience with the Lions, combined with his reputation for developing talent, makes him a highly regarded figure within the coaching community.
“I’m extremely excited to rejoin this team in such an important capacity,” Morton said in a statement following his hiring. “We’ve got some incredible players here, and I’m ready to help take this offense to the next level. We have a lot of work to do, but I believe we can make a run at a championship.”
Morton’s connection with the Lions dates back to his time with the team from 2021 to 2023, where he had a notable impact in the development of Detroit’s offense under then-coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson, who now finds himself as the head coach of another NFL team, helped lead the Lions to one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, with Morton playing a key role in the team’s schematics and game plans.
Shuffling the Deck
The Lions’ front office had long suspected that their offensive coordinator position might see turnover in the near future. The success of their offensive unit this past season, coupled with Johnson’s impressive rise, made it a virtual certainty that the NFL’s growing pool of talent would come calling for his services.
Ben Johnson’s departure, just days after the Lions’ season ended, sent a shockwave through the organization, and fans were left with a sense of uncertainty. But the Lions’ brass moved quickly to secure Morton, a coach who is already familiar with the team’s personnel and offensive philosophy.
“This hire was about maintaining continuity while also introducing a fresh perspective to our offense,” said Lions general manager Brad Holmes. “John Morton has demonstrated a deep understanding of what it takes to build a high-functioning offense, and we believe he’s the right person to carry the torch for us moving forward.”
Building Upon Success
Despite the disappointment of falling short in the divisional round, the Lions’ offense was one of the most explosive units in the NFL this past season. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for over 4,500 yards, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers. The Lions’ offensive line, led by All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell, provided ample protection for Goff, giving him time to execute plays that kept opponents guessing.
But there were moments of inconsistency, especially in the postseason loss, where the offense struggled to sustain drives at critical junctures. It’s these areas that Morton will need to address and improve upon in his new role.
“We’ve got to be more efficient in the red zone,” Morton remarked during a press conference announcing his new role. “When you get down to those critical moments, that’s where games are won and lost. We’ll be looking at every aspect of our offense to make sure we’re firing on all cylinders.”
The team’s offense has shown flashes of brilliance, but Morton’s task will be to harness that potential and bring more consistency week in and week out. With a deep roster and a wealth of talent, he has the tools at his disposal to succeed.
What This Means for Jared Goff and the Offense
The new offensive coordinator hire is expected to have a significant impact on quarterback Jared Goff’s game. Goff, who has enjoyed a career resurgence in Detroit, is likely to be at the center of Morton’s offensive schemes. Under Johnson, Goff flourished in a system that emphasized quick decision-making, accuracy, and getting the ball into the hands of playmakers like St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs.
Morton will look to build upon this foundation while adding his own flavor to the offense. The coaching staff has already emphasized the importance of keeping Goff’s confidence high while diversifying the offense to keep opposing defenses on their toes.
“Jared is a tremendous quarterback, and I’ve seen the growth he’s made since I was last with him,” Morton said. “We’re going to continue developing that relationship and ensuring that he’s in the best position to succeed.”
But while Goff’s development will be a major focus, it’s not just the quarterback who will be under scrutiny. The Lions’ wide receivers, including St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and rookie Jameson Williams, will need to elevate their play under Morton’s leadership. The team has a solid group of pass catchers who have the potential to become one of the most dynamic units in the NFL.
Additionally, the Lions’ running game, led by Gibbs, will be an area that Morton will look to improve. The team’s ability to mix in a potent running game with a pass-first attack will be key to maintaining offensive balance.
The Bigger Picture for Detroit
The Lions’ hiring of John Morton comes at a critical time for the organization. While the team has shown significant progress under head coach Dan Campbell, the loss of two high-profile coordinators could have derailed the momentum built over the last couple of years. However, with the decision to hire Morton, the Lions appear committed to continuity, despite the departure of Johnson and the team’s defensive coordinator, who also moved on to another head coaching role.
Moving forward, the Lions will look to make adjustments to their overall approach and capitalize on the talent already in place. They are not a team rebuilding from the ground up but instead one that is building upon a solid foundation in hopes of pushing further into the postseason.
In a league where change is inevitable, stability within the coaching ranks is crucial. Morton’s familiarity with the team’s inner workings, his rapport with key players, and his background in developing an efficient offense should allow the Lions to continue their upward trajectory.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Detroit Lions are gearing up for another competitive campaign. The hiring of Morton brings an element of familiarity and stability to the offense, something that will be crucial as the team aims to build upon its strong 2024 performance. The work for Morton and the rest of the coaching staff is just beginning, but there’s no doubt that this move will help Detroit remain a serious contender in the NFC.
As fans await the start of the next season, all eyes will be on Morton and how he molds the Lions’ offense into a more complete, more potent unit. The road ahead may be filled with challenges, but Morton’s return is a clear indication that the Lions are ready to take the next step in their journey. The question now is: will that next step be a leap into the Super Bowl? Only time will tell.
