Report: Lions hiring Broncos' Morton as OC

The Detroit Lions are hiring Denver Broncos pass-game coordinator John Morton as their offensive coordinator, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.

Morton will replace the departed Ben Johnson, who became the Chicago Bears' head coach last week after spending three seasons in Detroit. Morton was a senior offensive assistant with the Lions in 2022 and worked closely with Johnson.

"What John Morton did for us on offense was pivotal," Lions head coach Dan Campbell said in 2023, per the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett. "It was behind the scenes, and I'm not sure everybody understands just how important he was for us."

Morton also served as the New York Jets' offensive coordinator for the 2017 season. He was fired after the team finished 5-11 and ranked 24th in points per game and 28th in yards per game.

The Lions' offense has been one of the best in the league under Johnson. Detroit was second in passing yards per game, sixth in rushing yards per game, and first in points per game this regular season. The team finished at the top of the NFC before bowing out to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.

Morton, 55, joins defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard as Campbell's new right-hand men. Sheppard was promoted from linebackers coach after Aaron Glenn left the Lions to coach the New York Jets.