After the Detroit Lions lost in the playoffs to the Washington Commanders, there was immediate speculation about how the departure of coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson would negatively impact the team. Despite posting an NFL-best 15-2 record, one outlet predicted Detroit would barely finish above 500 this season. Others forecast a more modest decline with the team landing in the middle of the NFC North division. The prevailing assumption is that losing both coordinators would derail the team’s success. But that’s not necessarily true.
How the Loss of Both Coordinators Affects The Detroit Lions
Although Glenn and Johnson certainly contributed to the Lions’ success these last few years, it’s unfair to credit the pair as the sole reason behind Detroit’s success. In building his coaching staff, Dan Campbell developed a dedicated and talented crew that was the envy of the NFL. He knew it was inevitable that as Detroit ascended to the NFL’s upper echelon, other teams would poach his staff. Nonetheless, as a great leader, he encouraged his subordinates to pursue their success.
Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard
Campbell had a succession plan in place. Early on, he began grooming members of his staff to take on additional responsibilities to move up in the organization. It came as no surprise when Kelvin Sheppard was promoted to defensive coordinator. Over the last few seasons, Campbell and Glenn began mentoring Sheppard for this role.
As the Lions’ former linebacker coach, Sheppard is credited with guiding the development of Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell . Both players are among the league’s best at their position. Now, after working closely with Glenn on defensive play calling last season, he’s ready to take on the new role.
Glenn was among the first to praise his successor. Asked about his former protege, he replied , “Having Shep there with me, he’s been there from the beginning, and he knows exactly how I think – exactly. And that’s a guy that I’ve been mentoring to be in the DC role at some point.”
Lions’ New Offensive Coordinator John Morton
Sheppard is a familiar face and brings consistency to the defense. However, as a newcomer, offensive coordinator John Morton has faced closer scrutiny from critics who question his ability to replace Johnson. But once again, it appears Campbell made a terrific hiring decision.
Before joining Campbell in 2022, Morton was a senior offensive assistant coach for numerous NFL teams, including the New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and the Las Vegas Raiders . He was also part of the New Orleans Saints coaching staff under Sean Payton when the Saints won the Super Bowl in 2006.
In 2023, Payton rehired Morton as the Denver Broncos’ passing game coordinator. Morton was been credited with the rapid development of rookie quarterback Bo Nix last year. A finalist for the Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, Nix led Denver to its first postseason appearance since 2015.
It’s a misconception to refer to Morton as “new” to the Lions coaching staff. Before re-joining the Broncos, he worked with Campbell and Johnson as a senior offensive assistant. During that time, he and Jared Goff formed a solid relationship. Morton’s keen eye and attention to detail helped pinpoint areas where the quarterback could improve his game.
When Campbell informed Payton that he was hiring Morton as his OC, he was happy for him to get the opportunity and predicted, ”Johnny is a tremendous worker. He’ll be the last one out, first one in in the morning.”
Morton’s Relationship With Jared Goff
In his first year with the Lions in 2021, Goff appeared in 14 games. He recorded 3,245 passing yards, completing 332 of 494 attempts with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
In 2022, Morton began working with Goff to fine-tune his performance. That year, under Morton’s guidance, Goff completed 382 of 587 for 4,438 yards with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 17 games. Since then, Goff has continued to improve every season, showing incremental growth over the previous year. In 2023, he completed 407 of 605 attempts for 4,575 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
In 2024, Goff did even better. Maintaining one of the highest quarterback ratings in the league, Goff completed 390 of 539 passes for 4,629 yards with 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was a runner-up to Josh Allen for the league’s MVP title.
Morton sees another advantage for the Lions this season with new passing game coordinator David Shaw . The former Stanford head coach is a longtime pal of Mortons, and he thinks Shaw will find new ways to elevate Goff’s performance this year.
Morton’s Philosophy As the Lions Offensive Coordinator
In addition to Payton and Campbell, Morton worked with some of the other most respected NFL and collegiate minds, including Pete Campbell, Lane Tiffin, and Jim Harbaugh. Benefitting from the opportunity to study and learn from some of the NFL’s greatest strategists, Morton is ready to take the helm as the Lions’ offensive coordinator.
Inheriting the league’s top-rated offense, Morton has an abundance of premier talent to work with in designing an offensive strategy that best utilizes the players’ skills. However, he respects the system Campbell developed and the success the Lions have had under his leadership. Morton doesn’t envision changing a lot of what’s already in place. Instead, he wants to work within the existing framework to fine-tune and improve certain elements.
He believes a strong offense all starts with the quarterback. In reuniting with Goff, he explained why their relationship works, “I have a feel of what he likes, what he doesn’t. That’s important as a play caller.”
Looking Ahead to The Lions’ Upcoming Season
As the architect of the Lions’ success, Campbell carefully hand-picked his staff. He knows exactly what type of coach the team needs at every position. This season, in recruiting new hires, Campbell has been able to leverage pre-existing relationships to ensure a smooth and easy transition. In hiring Tashard Choice as the running backs coach, he reunited him with Jahmyr Gibbs, one of his prized recruits.
Perhaps the critics shouldn’t be focused on the Lions’ regular season record, but instead, they should be looking ahead to predict how the new coaching staff will help them advance further in the playoffs.
Main Photo: Junfu Han-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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