Just when you thought the NFL coaching carousel couldn’t get any more dramatic, here’s a twist that’ll make you do a double-take: former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton has already landed a new gig—and it’s with a team he knows all too well. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a strategic move or a desperate play? Let’s dive in.
Last week, the Detroit Lions and John Morton parted ways after a single season together, leaving many to wonder what went wrong. Despite a top-five ranking in both points per game (28.3) and yards per game (373.2), the Lions saw a noticeable decline under Morton’s leadership compared to the previous year’s 33.2 points and 409.5 yards per game. Midway through the season, head coach Dan Campbell even took over play-calling duties, leaving Morton to focus on game-planning—a role Campbell insisted was still vital. So, was Morton’s departure inevitable, or did he simply not fit the Lions’ vision? That’s a debate for another day.
Fast forward to now, and Morton is back in the saddle, joining the Denver Broncos to help them prepare for their playoff showdown against the Buffalo Bills. This move isn’t exactly a shocker, given Morton’s history with the Broncos. Before his stint in Detroit, he served as Denver’s pass game coordinator in 2023 and 2024. And here’s the part most people miss: Morton’s connection with Broncos head coach Sean Payton dates back two decades, when they worked together on the Saints’ staff in 2006. Talk about full-circle moments!
But let’s pause for a second—is Morton’s quick return to coaching a testament to his work ethic, or does it raise questions about his ability to adapt? Despite his less-than-stellar year in Detroit, Morton’s willingness to jump back into the fray before the 2025 postseason even wraps up is undeniably impressive. It’s a bold move that speaks volumes about his dedication to the game.
As the Broncos gear up to face the Bills in the Divisional Round of the 2025-26 NFL playoffs at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, one thing’s for sure: Morton’s expertise could be a game-changer. But will it be enough? And more importantly, does his past success with the Broncos outweigh his recent struggles in Detroit? Weigh in below—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
