Detroit Lions Fire Offensive Coordinator John Morton After One Season
Detroit, January 6, 2026 – The Detroit Lions have fired offensive coordinator John Morton after one season, the team announced Tuesday. This marks the second time in less than a year that head coach Dan Campbell has parted ways with his offensive coordinator, following the departure of Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears last offseason.
Background on John Morton
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John Morton, a Michigan native born on September 24, 1969, played college football at Western Michigan as a wide receiver before embarking on a coaching career. He began coaching with the Oakland Raiders in 1997 and has held various roles, including offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2017 and passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos from 2023 to 2024. Morton rejoined the Lions in 2025 after serving as a senior offensive assistant in 2022, where he helped design the team’s offense under Ben Johnson.
Season Performance and Reasons for Firing
Despite the Lions finishing with a 9-8 record and ranking fifth in scoring offense, the team struggled with consistency, particularly in the run game. Morton was stripped of play-calling duties in Week 10 after a loss to the Minnesota Vikings, with Campbell taking over. Under Campbell, the offense improved in some areas, but the overall performance did not meet expectations. The Lions failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2022, and the run offense saw a significant decline compared to the previous year.
Key Facts / Stats
| Category | 2024 Season | 2025 Season |
|---|---|---|
| EPA/Rush | 0.021 (5th in NFL) | -0.075 (22nd in NFL) |
| Success Rate (Rush) | 44.8% (4th in NFL) | 39.1% (25th in NFL) |
| Points Per Game | N/A | 28.3 (4th in NFL) |
| Total Offense Yards Per Game | N/A | 373.2 (5th in NFL) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Morton?
John Morton is a veteran NFL coach with nearly 30 years of experience, primarily coaching wide receivers and offensive roles. He has worked with teams like the Oakland Raiders, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, and Denver Broncos before joining the Lions.
What were the main reasons for Morton’s firing?
The Lions cited inconsistency in the offense, especially in the run game, despite strong overall scoring. Morton was relieved of play-calling duties midway through the season, and the team decided to move in a different direction after missing the playoffs.
Will Dan Campbell continue as play-caller?
Campbell has not decided yet on whether he will retain play-calling duties permanently. He took over from Morton in Week 10 and led the offense for the remainder of the season.