Broncos Assistant Coach John Morton Favored to Land Lions Offensive Coordinator Job, Source Says
The Detroit Lions may be close to naming their next offensive coordinator, and all signs point to Denver Broncos assistant coach John Morton as the frontrunner for the position. According to a league source, Morton has emerged as the favorite to take over the role and bring his expertise to a Lions team aiming to solidify its offensive identity.
Morton’s Background and Experience
John Morton has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most experienced and innovative offensive minds. Currently serving as a senior offensive assistant for the Broncos, Morton has a resume that includes stints with several teams, including the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and New Orleans Saints.
Morton previously held the offensive coordinator position with the Jets in 2017, where his offense ranked 28th in total yards but showed flashes of creativity despite limited personnel. Over the years, Morton has gained a reputation for developing wide receivers and implementing effective passing schemes.
Why the Lions Are Interested
The Lions are seeking a replacement for Ben Johnson, who has garnered significant attention for his success in Detroit’s high-powered offense but is rumored to be leaving for a head coaching opportunity. Morton’s experience and ability to adapt his schemes to fit his personnel make him an appealing candidate for the Lions, who are looking to maintain their offensive momentum.
Detroit’s offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has been a bright spot in recent seasons. With playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jameson Williams, the team is poised to remain a top offensive unit in the NFL. Morton’s expertise in designing passing attacks could further elevate the Lions’ already potent offense.
What Morton Brings to the Table
Morton’s strengths lie in his ability to develop talent and create balanced game plans. He has a history of working closely with quarterbacks and wide receivers, a key asset for a Lions team that relies on precision in the passing game. Additionally, Morton’s experience in multiple offensive systems gives him the flexibility to tailor his approach to Detroit’s strengths.
“John has been around some of the best offensive minds in the game and has learned from all of them,” said a source familiar with Morton’s coaching career. “He’s got the creativity and the leadership skills to take Detroit’s offense to the next level.”
New Chapter for the Lions
If Morton does land the job, he will inherit an offense that has shown significant promise under Johnson’s leadership. The Lions have made strides in their offensive line play, running game, and passing attack, making the offensive coordinator position one of the most attractive openings in the NFL.
Head coach Dan Campbell has emphasized the importance of continuity and innovation in the team’s offensive philosophy. Morton’s ability to balance those priorities could make him an ideal fit for the role.
What’s Next?
While no official announcement has been made, sources indicate that the Lions are in the final stages of their decision-making process. An agreement with Morton could be reached within the coming days, pending further discussions and contract negotiations.
For the Lions, hiring John Morton would signal a commitment to building on their recent offensive success while injecting fresh ideas into their playbook. For Morton, the opportunity represents a chance to lead one of the NFL’s most exciting offenses and further cement his legacy as a top-tier coach.