While most of the 2024 Minnesota Vikings coaching staff is expected to return for the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions have recently had to bring in new coaches after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
On Monday, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Colton Pouncy, and RJ Kraft reported that the Lions are likely to hire John Morton as their new offensive coordinator. Morton, who spent the last two seasons as the passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos, previously served as the Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017.
Under Morton’s guidance in 2017, the Jets’ offense ranked 24th in the NFL in points per drive, 22nd in expected points added, and 24th in offensive DVOA.
Minnesota Vikings coach very familiar with rumored new Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
During Morton’s time with the Jets, his starting quarterback was Josh McCown, who now serves as the Vikings’ quarterbacks coach. McCown’s experience with Morton’s offense could prove valuable in the Vikings’ upcoming matchups against Detroit next season.
Morton only lasted a single season with the Jets before being let go. His departure was reportedly due to being “too pass-reliant,” several players being “unhappy with his play-calling,” conflicts with other members of the coaching staff, and an inability to “design and execute a consistent running game,” as per ESPN’s Rich Cimini.
However, Morton was a senior offensive assistant for the Lions in 2022 when they finished ranked fourth in points scored per offensive drive. Although he wasn’t the primary play-caller for that team, he’s certainly familiar with Detroit’s offensive system. Still, it’s hard to imagine him surpassing Ben Johnson, who was highly regarded for his innovative approach to Detroit’s offense.
Will the Lions’ offense remain strong next season? That seems likely, barring injuries. But will it be as potent as it was in 2024? That seems less probable with Morton reportedly taking over play-calling duties.
Detroit’s locker room is known for being outspoken, so if players are unhappy with Morton’s offensive style, they’re unlikely to keep quiet about it.
This change could significantly impact Detroit’s performance in the 2025 season, and with the potential for problems under Morton, the Vikings may have an opportunity to reclaim the NFC North title.
More news….
Jared Goff selected as MVP finalist, multiple Detroit Lions coaches nominated for awards
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is a finalist for MVP, and coach Dan Campbell, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are also contenders for NFL Honors awards.
The NFL Honors, the league’s annual awards ceremony, will be held on Thursday, February 6, just days before the Super Bowl. This week, the NFL revealed the finalists for its various awards, and several Detroit Lions could be taking home some accolades.
Notably, Goff is one of five finalists for Most Valuable Player, alongside Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Saquon Barkley. Although it’s unlikely Goff will win, especially since Jackson earned first-team All-Pro honors from the same voters who select the MVP, being named a finalist is a significant achievement. Goff wrapped up the season with career highs, completing 72.4% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, 37 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 111.8.
Additionally, Campbell is a finalist for Coach of the Year, competing with:
- Kevin O’Connell, Vikings
- Sean Payton, Broncos
- Dan Quinn, Commanders
- Andy Reid, Chiefs
Moreover, both of the Lions’ former coordinators are finalists for Assistant Coach of the Year. The five finalists for that award are:
- Ben Johnson, Lions OC
- Aaron Glenn, Lions DC
- Brian Flores, Vikings DC
- Vic Fangio, Eagles DC
- Joe Brady, Bills OC
You can view all of the Associated Press finalists for every award here.
The NFL Honors ceremony will air on Thursday, February 6 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX or NFL Network.
