The Detroit Lions are in the middle of arguably the most successful three-season stretch in franchise history. Head coach Dan Campbell’s ultra-aggressive style has paid dividends, but Campbell is focused on finally getting the team over the hump and bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Detroit for the first time ever.
Last season, Detroit won the NFC North and secured the number one overall seed in the NFC for the first time in franchise history. Unfortunately for the Lions, other teams around the league took notice. Aaron Glenn, Detroit’s defensive coordinator for the 2024 season, is now the head coach of the New York Jets, and Ben Johnson, their offensive coordinator last year, is calling the shots for the Chicago Bears.
However, Campbell has wanted more from offensive coordinator John Morton. Although the Lions entered last weekend’s matchup with the Washington Commanders at 5-3, the offense under Morton hasn’t been the elite unit that it was under Johson. Then, in the win over the Commanders, the Lions had thier most productive offensive day of the season, going off for over 500 yards of total offense.
Now we know what changed. After the game, head coach Dan Campbell revealed in his press conference that he stripped Morton of play-calling duties and assumed the responsibility, according to one prominent league insider..
“Lions HC Dan Campbell acknowledged to reporters after today’s win in Washington that he took over the offensive play-calling duties from OC John Morton,” reported ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Monday.
> Lions HC Dan Campbell acknowledged to reporters after today’s win in Washington that he took over the offensive play-calling duties from OC John Morton.
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> — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) [November 10, 2025](https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1987685979851731042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Fans reacted to the news on social media.
“Falcon fans ladies and gentlemen I introduce to you our new OC John Morton,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Look, I’m not saying Dan is the best HC, but he has my respect for recognizing his OC was (messing) up and took the lead to ensure a win. Harb. Couldn’t do this if his life depends on it. That’s the diff between a leader and a fraud,” another fan added.
“I was right the Morton move wouldn’t replace Johnson but wrong that the Lions would be worse as a result because Dan Campbell is Kyle Shanahan,” someone else added.
It’ll be interesting to see if Campbell can keep the offense humming all the way to the Super Bowl.