Training camp is right around the corner, and the Detroit Lions are stepping into a new offensive chapter. Ben Johnson is gone, now coaching the Chicago Bears, and in his place stands John Morton — a longtime passing game specialist returning for his second stint in Detroit, this time with a lot more responsibilities.
Morton isn’t a flashy hire by any means. His last coordinator opportunity came in 2017 with the New York Jets. Since then, he’s bounced around as a senior offensive assistant or passing game coordinator with the Raiders, Lions, and Broncos. While that might not be the most ideal background, one of the most important voices in Detroit’s offense doesn’t sound concerned. Sam LaPorta made it clear on The Jim Rome Show that Morton already has the locker room’s confidence:
“It might be a little bit different,” LaPorta said. “Fortunately, we kept a couple of our position coaches. Specifically, our offensive line coach. We promoted Hank Fraley to our run game coordinator. So, fortunate for me, we have the same run game system this year, same verbiage, which, as you can imagine, is a lot. But Johnny Mo, pass game coordinator his whole life. Brilliant mind, I think he’s gonna call the offense great.”
"Brilliant mind, I think he's gonna call the offense great."@Lions TE Sam LaPorta on Detroit's new Offensive Coordinator John Morton. pic.twitter.com/Z4QfdhTwcf
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) July 16, 2025
Two words instantly stick out: Brilliant mind. That's more than lip service. That's a legitimate endorsement. It's obvious LaPorta is looking forward to putting an underwhelming 2024 in the rearview with his new OC.
LaPorta’s vote of confidence sets early tone for new-look Lions offense
LaPorta’s comfort stems from the fact that Morton isn’t overhauling the entire scheme—why should he? With former offensive line coach Hank Fraley promoted to run game coordinator, the blocking concepts and terminology will be the exact same — a massive relief for a tight end who plays a central role in both facets.
It’s a subtle nod to how the Lions have managed change without disrupting the parts that already worked. As the saying goes, if it isn't broke, don't fix it.
Having a pass game guy like Morton definitely makes the transition easier. He’s worked under some incredible coaches: Jon Gruden, Sean Payton, and Jim Harbaugh. His systems tend to value spacing, quarterback timing, and verticality. That could mesh well with a Lions offense built around Jared Goff’s precision, Jahmyr Gibbs’ versatility, and Jameson Williams’ speed. It also sets up players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and LaPorta to feed off mismatches everywhere else.
Detroit still has to answer the big-picture stuff with Morton at the helm — things like formations, play progression, and how he actually manages a game. But when it comes to relationships and scheme continuity, he’s in a great spot. Going from Ben Johnson to anyone else was never going to feel seamless, even with some pieces staying in place.
But when one of your most dependable playmakers openly backs the new guy this early, it could be a sign the offense might be in steady hands after all.
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