Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell wasn't just heavily involved in their offensive game plan in Week 10. He was actually calling plays, taking said responsibilities from first-year offensive coordinator John Morton. The results were wildly successful, so they're sticking with it moving forward.
Campbell reportedly revealed [he'll handle Detroit's offensive play-calling](https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/1990105916377579991?s=20) for the remainder of 2025. He's ostensibly run out of patience and decided to take matters into his own hands. It's a notable (and perhaps necessary) decision that highlights some of the issues they've been working through in Morton's inaugural campaign at the controls.
Dan Campbell makes much-needed decision to take Lions' play-calling reins from OC John Morton
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The deployment, or lack thereof, of Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams appeared to be a point of contention that ultimately led to this pivot. Many expected him to take another step forward following a breakout performance in 2024 that secured his long-term future in Detroit. Nevertheless, he had hardly been a factor until after their bye, which doesn't feel like an accident.
Morton has [previously taken accountability](https://sidelionreport.com/lions-oc-john-morton-says-quiet-part-out-loud-about-jameson-williams-shortcomings-01k8v8ry2n9v) for Williams' shortage of involvement. Since then, getting the latter the football, specifically across the middle of the field, has become a point of emphasis and yielded fruitful production.
In Detroit's 44-22 blowout victory over the Washington Commanders, Campbell passed his first test in taking the reins from Morton majorly. The Lions might've had their strongest showing of the season on that side of the ball, and again, it hardly seems like a coincidence.
If the Lions' approach felt different against the Commanders than it did previously, that's because they switched things up with Campbell pushing the buttons. Detroit was much more pass-heavy inside the red zone and in neutral game script, demonstrating a newfound willingness to beat opponents through the air. The aggressiveness was unlike Morton's conservative, run-first tendencies.
Morton's time in Detroit is very much looking like a one-and-done stint. What that means for his immediate outlook remains unclear and worth monitoring. But it's becoming increasingly clear that he and Campbell are on polar opposite philosophical wavelengths when it comes to moving the ball effectively and scoring.