Lions fire OC John Morton after one season
The Detroit Lions have officially fired offensive coordinator John Morton after just one season in the role. The team announced the decision on January 6–7, 2026 following their disappointing finish to the 2025 season.
Morton had taken over as offensive coordinator in January 2025, replacing Ben Johnson, who left to become the Chicago Bears’ head coach.
Partway through the season, head coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties from Morton after the offense struggled for consistency, despite still ranking well statistically.
Why the Change?
The Lions finished 9–8 in 2025 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022, falling short of expectations after a franchise-record 15-win season in 2024.
Detroit’s offense still produced well — among the NFL’s top units in yards and points — but uneven performance and a late-season slump contributed to the decision.
What’s Next?
With Morton gone, the Lions are expected to search for a new offensive coordinator in the offseason. Head coach Dan Campbell has not yet confirmed if he’ll retain play-calling duties or hand them to the new hire.
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