When former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for Chicago, he acknowledged that the foundation for success had been laid in Detroit. Now, with John Morton stepping in as the new offensive coordinator, he believes his previous experience in the city will help him navigate the well-established path Johnson left behind. Morton’s familiarity with Detroit and his prior work with the team, especially with quarterback Jared Goff, are seen as key factors in maintaining offensive consistency moving forward.
John Morton’s Familiarity with Jared Goff Will Strengthen Lions’ Offensive Continuity
John Morton’s familiarity with quarterback Jared Goff is highlighted as a crucial asset in his new role. Morton spent time with the Lions as a senior offensive assistant in 2022, working closely with Goff, which allowed him to understand the quarterback’s preferences and tendencies.
Morton believes that this prior connection will be beneficial in tailoring the offense to Goff’s strengths, continuing the progress made under Johnson. The offensive coordinator plans to build on their established rapport while continuing to refine the scheme for improved success.
Jared Goff (NFL)Despite the change in offensive coordinators, Morton emphasizes that the offensive philosophy in Detroit will remain centered around the quarterback, just as it was under Johnson. Morton draws a comparison to his past work with Drew Brees in New Orleans, where building the offense around a future Hall of Fame quarterback contributed to the team’s success and consistency.
This continuity will be key in ensuring that the Lions’ offense remains fluid, with an emphasis on Goff’s preferences while maintaining the identity that Johnson built.
John Morton Returns as Offensive Coordinator, Continuing Dan Campbell’s Vision and Play-Calling
John Morton’s tenure as a play-caller includes a stint as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2017, although his time was short-lived. After six years in non-play-calling roles, Morton returns to that responsibility with the Lions. He has confirmed that he will call plays but also stressed the importance of player input and feedback when developing the offense. Morton’s approach is to continue the vision established by head coach Dan Campbell, while making adjustments to improve upon the established system.
As the new offensive coordinator, Morton inherits the No. 1 scoring offense in the league, which boasts one of the most creative schemes in the NFL. While Morton has said all the right things about maintaining continuity and enhancing the system, the true test will come when the regular season begins.
It remains to be seen how his play-calling and overall scheme will differ from Ben Johnson’s, but Morton’s familiarity with the team and players offers optimism that the transition will be seamless. The coming season will reveal the full extent of his impact on the offense.
