In a move that has sent ripples through the NFL, the Detroit Lions have announced that John Morton will take over as the team’s new offensive coordinator. This comes after the departure of Ben Johnson, who served as the Lions’ offensive mastermind for the past several years, helping to revamp Detroit’s offense into one of the league’s most dynamic units.
The End of an Era: Ben Johnson’s Departure
Ben Johnson’s tenure in Detroit was nothing short of impressive. Under his leadership, the Lions offense experienced a dramatic turnaround, becoming one of the most explosive in the NFL. In 2022, Detroit finished among the league’s top 5 in total yards per game, and Johnson’s innovative approach to offensive schemes earned him widespread praise. However, after receiving interest from multiple teams seeking head coach candidates, Johnson chose to pursue new opportunities, leaving Detroit with a sizable void to fill at the offensive coordinator position.
Johnson’s departure marks the end of a golden era for the Lions’ offense, but the team is confident that the new hire in John Morton will keep the momentum going.
Who is John Morton?
John Morton is a seasoned NFL offensive mind with over two decades of coaching experience. A former wide receiver in the NFL, Morton has built a reputation as an innovative, high-energy offensive coordinator with a knack for developing playmakers and tailoring systems to fit his players’ strengths.
Morton’s most recent stint was as the passing game coordinator for the New York Jets, where he played a key role in developing the team’s young quarterbacks and building a more balanced offensive attack. Prior to that, Morton served as the offensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders in 2017, where he helped transform the Raiders’ offense into one of the league’s most efficient units under quarterback Derek Carr.
In addition to his time with the Jets and Raiders, Morton has also worked with the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints, where he learned from some of the best offensive minds in the game. His background in both the running and passing games makes him a versatile choice to lead the Lions’ offense into the future.
What Morton Brings to Detroit
The Lions’ offense, which has thrived under Ben Johnson’s guidance, will now take on a new identity under Morton’s leadership. Known for his diverse playbook and aggressive style, Morton is expected to continue fostering the growth of key players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the young emerging talent at running back.
One of Morton’s key strengths is his ability to adapt and adjust to his personnel. While Johnson had a strong focus on building an offense centered around the passing game, Morton’s experience with both the aerial and ground attacks could open up more options for the Lions. The team has a strong offensive line and a potent running back in Jahmyr Gibbs (the 2023 first-round pick), and Morton’s balanced approach could help the Lions establish a more varied, unpredictable offense that keeps opposing defenses on their toes.
Another area where Morton’s influence could be felt is in the development of Goff. Morton has a history of working with quarterbacks, especially young ones, and his ability to simplify the offense and cater it to his quarterback’s strengths will be crucial in helping Goff take the next step in his career. In particular, Morton could help Goff become more comfortable with deep throws and rollouts, areas that were a point of emphasis under the previous regime.
Lions’ Future Looks Bright Under Morton
With Morton at the helm, the Lions’ offense will likely maintain its up-tempo, pass-heavy nature but with an added dimension of unpredictability. Detroit has a talented core of offensive players, and Morton’s experience and ability to adjust his schemes could be exactly what the team needs to take the next step in their playoff aspirations.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes expressed his excitement about the hire: “John Morton brings a wealth of knowledge, versatility, and a proven track record of developing offensive talent. We believe he will be a great fit for our team and help continue the positive direction we’ve been heading in.”
The Lions are coming off a promising 2023 season that saw them narrowly miss the playoffs, and the addition of Morton to the coaching staff signals that the team is serious about continuing its rise in the NFC North. With a dynamic offense in place, along with a solid defense, Detroit could be a dark horse contender in the years to come.
Conclusion
As the Detroit Lions move forward in the post-Ben Johnson era, the hiring of John Morton as offensive coordinator offers a new, exciting chapter for the team. Morton’s versatility and wealth of experience will help the Lions remain competitive in an increasingly tough NFC, and his ability to continue developing the offense could be the key to unlocking the next level of success for the franchise.
Fans in Detroit will be eagerly watching as the team begins its preparations for the 2024 season under their new offensive leader. With the right moves, the Lions could be poised for a breakout year.