The Detroit Lions have one coordinator spot figured out after promoting Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Now it seems they’re ready to fill their other spot.
NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting that the Lions are working to hire Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton.
You might remember Morton from not too long ago. He was on the Lions staff as an offensive assistant in 2022 before taking a promotion with the Broncos.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell also worked with Morton in New Orleans in 2016 before Morton went to the Jets with Todd Bowles to be his offensive coordinator. He was in that role for one season and it did not work out too well, then again nothing has worked out for the Jets for a long time and he was working with Josh McCown as his quarterback.
Morton was a big part of the Broncos’ offense this season and helped Bo Nix put forth a pretty big rookie season. The Broncos returned to the playoffs for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in 2015.
Morton was quietly a big part of the Lions staff in 2022 according to Dan Campbell:
“What Johnny Morton did for us on offense [in 2022] was pivotal. And it was behind the scenes and I’m not sure everybody understands just how important he was for us.”
We’ll soon see what this all looks like in due time. No word yet on what this move means for current passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand or assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery. Both were considered to be highly considered for the role.