How should the Lions approach hiring an offensive coordinator?
The Detroit Lions are once again searching for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with John Morton following just one season. The experiment never fully came together, and the decision to move on became clear when head coach Dan Campbell took back play-calling duties midway through the year, signaling a loss of confidence in the offensive direction.
Morton was brought in with hopes of maintaining continuity after Ben Johnson’s departure, thanks to his previous experience on Detroit’s staff and his long-standing relationship with Campbell dating back to their time under Sean Payton in New Orleans. Early on, the offense flashed its potential, particularly during a stretch in which the Lions averaged 40 points per game. However, those highs were short-lived, and the unit struggled to sustain consistency as the season went on.
Detroit’s 9–8 finish and missed playoff berth marked a dramatic step backward from the prior year’s 15-win campaign. While regression along the offensive line played a role, the Lions still boast an impressive collection of skill-position talent and remain capable of fielding one of the NFL’s top offenses if the line is reinforced. That makes the upcoming coordinator hire especially critical to the franchise’s short-term championship hopes.
With a talented core that won’t last forever, the Lions can’t afford another misstep. Campbell showed he could handle play-calling duties, but juggling that responsibility appeared to impact his game management, suggesting a full-time coordinator may be the better long-term solution. The key question now is whether Detroit prioritizes continuity with another internal candidate or takes a bold step by bringing in a fresh offensive mind from outside the organization.
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