The Detroit Lions have appointed John Morton as their new offensive coordinator, marking a significant addition to their coaching staff. Morton, born on September 24, 1969, in Auburn Hills, Michigan, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served in various coaching capacities across the NFL and collegiate football.
Morton’s coaching career began with the Oakland Raiders in 1998, where he worked as an offensive assistant focusing on wide receivers. Over the years, he ascended through the coaching ranks, holding positions such as offensive quality control coach and senior offensive assistant. His tenure with the Raiders culminated in an appearance at Super Bowl XXXVII under head coach Bill Callahan.
In 2005, Morton joined the University of San Diego as the passing game and wide receivers coach under Jim Harbaugh, contributing to an impressive 11-1 season and a Pioneer Football League Championship. He then transitioned to the New Orleans Saints in 2006, serving as an offensive assistant and passing game coordinator, where he played a role in the team’s journey to the NFC Championship Game.
Morton’s collegiate coaching experience includes a stint at USC from 2007 to 2011, where he served as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach, eventually becoming the offensive coordinator. His NFL journey continued with roles as the wide receivers coach for the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints. In 2017, he was appointed as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets.
Before his latest appointment, Morton was part of the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff as a senior offensive assistant in 2022. He briefly departed to join the Denver Broncos as their passing game coordinator in 2023 but has now returned to Detroit to take on the role of offensive coordinator.
Morton’s extensive coaching background and familiarity with the Lions’ organization position him well to lead Detroit’s offense. His diverse experience across both collegiate and professional football is expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative strategies to the team’s offensive playbook.
