Stability was the goal, but inconsistency became the result as Detroit’s offense once again enters a period of transition.
The Detroit Lions made waves this week by officially parting ways with offensive coordinator John Morton, sending the franchise back into the market for a new playcaller for the second straight offseason.
Detroit’s decision ends a brief and uneven tenure for Morton, who was hired last year after former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson departed to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. The Lions opted for experience over familiarity, bringing in Morton despite his limited background as a primary playcaller. Prior to his arrival in Detroit, Morton had only one season of experience as an offensive coordinator, spending 2017 in that role with the New York Jets.
It did not take long for concerns to surface. After seven games, head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties following the team’s Week 8 bye. While the change did not become official until Week 9, the offensive shift was noticeable almost immediately. The Lions’ attack showed more rhythm and aggression, most notably with the emergence of wide receiver Jameson Williams, who thrived under Campbell’s direction.
Campbell has not yet committed to calling plays in 2026, saying he will do what is best for the team. He acknowledged the benefit of continuity if he retains the role but also admitted the responsibility can detract from overall game management. There were moments late in the season where Campbell appeared stretched thin, including questionable challenge decisions and missed timeout opportunities.
Detroit has already begun its search, interviewing former Lions backup quarterback and current Washington Commanders assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough. However, with seven head coaching vacancies around the league, competition for top offensive coordinator candidates is expected to be fierce.
Several experienced names could draw interest.
Kevin Stefanski stands out as one of the most accomplished options. Stefanski served as the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator from 2018-19 before becoming head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2020-25. While Stefanski won just one playoff game in Cleveland, doing so with the Browns carries added significance.
Todd Monken is another intriguing possibility, though he remains under contract with the Baltimore Ravens. With longtime head coach John Harbaugh dismissed, further staff changes could follow. Monken brings 11 years of coaching experience, including seven as an offensive coordinator. He held OC roles with Tampa Bay (2016-18) and Cleveland (2019) before returning to college football at Georgia, where he won two national championships from 2020-22. Monken also has Michigan ties, beginning his coaching career at Grand Valley State and later spending time at Eastern Michigan.
Kliff Kingsbury, recently let go by Washington, could also be in the mix. Kingsbury served as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator from 2024-25 and previously coached the Arizona Cardinals from 2019-22. Known for his Air Raid system, Kingsbury helped guide Washington to the NFC championship game in 2024 behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. How his system would blend with Detroit’s run-heavy attack and elite pass catchers — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta — would be worth watching.
Detroit may also look internally or toward rising assistants.
Scottie Montgomery has been with the Lions since 2023 and has held an assistant head coach role while working with both running backs and wide receivers. Campbell has shown a willingness to promote from within, as he did with Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Davis Webb, the Denver Broncos’ quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator since 2023, is a younger option. At just 30 years old, Webb would represent a gamble, and the move would echo last year’s hiring of Morton from a similar role.
Jake Peetz rounds out the list as another developmental candidate. Peetz has coached both in college and the NFL, holding quarterback-related roles with the Jaguars, Raiders and Panthers. He spent time under Sean McVay with the Rams from 2022-23 and is currently the Seahawks’ passing game coordinator under Mike Macdonald.
For a Lions team still chasing sustained postseason success, this hire could shape the direction of the franchise for years to come.