The Detroit Lions are undergoing significant changes to their coaching staff this offseason, and with several positions still left to be filled, more changes are expected in the coming weeks.
One of the most notable moves came with the hiring of a new offensive coordinator. John Morton, who was part of the Lions’ coaching staff in 2022, will return to Detroit to take over the role, filling the vacancy left by Ben Johnson. Morton was instrumental in helping implement the Lions’ offensive scheme during Johnson’s first year as coordinator. Now, Morton inherits an impressive running game led by Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, two of the most dynamic backs in the NFL.
While Montgomery hasn’t met his new offensive coordinator yet—having missed the 2022 season when Morton was in Detroit—he’s optimistic about what Morton will bring to the team. The veteran back acknowledged the thoroughness with which the Lions make coaching decisions, emphasizing the importance of fit within the organization.
“I haven’t met him personally yet but I hear all good things from him,” Montgomery told NFL Network. “I know his addition will help. Coach Campbell and Brad do a great job of putting guys around us in our culture so that we can all benefit. He don’t make mistakes like that. He’s very, very into who he decides to bring in the building. I wish we were playing today, but we’re not.”
"Definitely the best RB duo in the league." @MontgomerDavid talks about sharing the backfield with Jahmyr Gibbs in the @Lions offense 🩵 pic.twitter.com/UU2qgUXDZD
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 5, 2025
When fully healthy, Montgomery and Gibbs form one of the most potent rushing duos in the league. Both players racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards last season, and Montgomery was on track for his second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaign before injuries forced him to miss the final three games of the regular season.
Both Montgomery and Gibbs have made it clear they aspire to become the best running back tandem in NFL history. As the Lions head into the 2025 season, expectations are high for what this duo can achieve together.
“Definitely the best running back duo in the league,” Montgomery said. “Me and Jahmyr, that’s my dog. You’ve got to be in a position and a mental headspace to be selfless enough to be appreciative of someone else’s success. A lot of people forget that we’re all competitors, we all want to play ball and we all want to be the guy, but sometimes you’ve got to be selfless for the greater good of the team.”
He added, “Being able to be teamed up with somebody of Jahmyr’s magnitude and be able to do it with him and do it together I think is super special. When it’s all said and done and me and him are done playing together, we’ll be the best running back duo to ever play together.”
