Change is in the air for the Detroit Lions, but don't expect it to extend to the offensive playbook. With John Morton stepping into the role of offensive coordinator for 2025, the mantra stays simple: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.
Morton’s return to Detroit is more reunion than new beginning. Having served under head coach Dan Campbell as the senior offensive assistant in 2022, he's no stranger to the Lions’ scheme and its key players. And given their stellar performance, consistently ranking top five in points and yards over the past three seasons, Morton sees no reason to reinvent the wheel.
“I’m not changing much,” Morton confidently declared at a Tuesday press conference, according to Shawn Windsor of the Detroit Free Press. “Why? It’s working, right? So that would be the smart thing to do.”
Last year saw the Lions clinch the No. 1 spot in scoring for the first time since 1954, a significant accolade that underscores Morton's urge for consistency. There's a winning formula in place, and Morton intends to respect that.
However, John's approach isn't just about replication. Naturally, his presence will bring slight nuances to the game. “It’s just about techniques and certain things, how I talk, how I see it, how I’m teaching them the concepts. Why we’re calling,” Morton explained. He emphasizes education, ensuring every player, especially quarterbacks, understands the reasoning behind plays.
Beyond that, Morton is content to meld into the established framework. “It’s just me learning, that’s the biggest thing,” he said, highlighting the importance of a unified coaching staff. For Morton, the pathway to Super Bowl success is paved with collaboration and collective insight.
