Report: Broncos' John Morton Eyed by Lions for OC Job After Ben Johnson's Exit

The Detroit Lions are reportedly eyeing an outside candidate to replace former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson after he accepted the Chicago Bears head coaching position.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Lions "are working to hire" Denver Broncos pass game coordinator John Morton as their next OC and he's on his way to Detroit to meet with them.

Morton was a senior offensive assistant for the Lions under head coach Dan Campbell during the 2022 season. He and Campbell previously worked together on Sean Payton's staff with the New Orleans Saints in 2016, with Morton serving as wide receivers coach and Campbell holding the position of assistant head coach/tight ends coach.

Morton last worked as an offensive coordinator in 2017 when he was with the New York Jets. He also served as OC for USC for two seasons in 2009 and 2010.

As pass game coordinator of the Broncos, Morton had a hand in the development of rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who exceeded all expectations and threw for 3,775 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while leading Denver to its first playoff appearance since 2015.

The Lions will look different next season after losing Johnson and former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who is now head coach of the New York Jets. Detroit reportedly promoted linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to fill its defensive coordinator role, and now it sounds like the team has found its replacement for Johnson.

If Morton does leave Denver for Detroit, he would be the second offensive assistant to take an OC position. The Bears reportedly hired Broncos tight ends coach Declan Doyle as their new OC under Johnson on Sunday.