### Lions Seek New Direction After Firing Offensive Coordinator John Morton The Detroit Lions have made a significant coaching change by firing offensive coordinator John Morton after just one season. This decision follows a disappointing 2025 season in which the team missed the playoffs, finishing with a 9-8 record. Head coach Dan Campbell had taken over play-calling duties midway through the season, indicating dissatisfaction with Morton's performance. The Lions are now in search of their third offensive coordinator in as many years, as they aim to revitalize their offense after a season marked by unmet expectations and a lack of playoff success [https://www.kob.com/ap-top-news/lions-have-reached-out-to-mike-mcdaniel-about-their-offensive-coordinator-opening-ap-source-says, https://www.nypost.com/2026/01/06/sports/lions-fire-offensive-coordinator-john-morton-after-one-season]. ### Breakdown of the Situation 1. **Firing of John Morton**: - The Lions officially announced the firing of Morton on January 6, 2026, after a single season in which he struggled to meet the team's offensive expectations [https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-fire-offensive-coordinator-john-morton-after-just-one-season-as-detroit-misses-postseason]. 2. **Coaching Changes**: - Dan Campbell, the head coach, had previously taken over play-calling duties from Morton, which was seen as a precursor to Morton's dismissal [https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/47531414/lions-fire-oc-john-morton-one-season]. - The Lions are now looking for their third offensive coordinator in three seasons, following the departure of Ben Johnson, who had a successful tenure before Morton [https://www.si.com/nfl/lions-offensive-coordinator-candidates-reportedly-includes-former-qb-david-blough]. 3. **Future Candidates**: - The Lions have reportedly reached out to Mike McDaniel, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, as a potential candidate for the offensive coordinator position [https://www.kob.com/ap-top-news/lions-have-reached-out-to-mike-mcdaniel-about-their-offensive-coordinator-opening-ap-source-says]. - Other candidates may include former players and coaches familiar with the Lions' system [https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/detroit-lions/lions-news-ex-detroit-qb-hot-name-vacant-offensive-coordinator-job]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Performance Metrics**: - Under Morton, the Lions finished the 2025 season with a total offense ranking of fifth in the league, but the team still failed to qualify for the playoffs, which was a significant disappointment given their previous success [https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/lions_fire_oc_john_morton_after_one_season/s1_17049_43296188]. - The Lions had high expectations after winning the NFC North in the previous two seasons and achieving franchise records in points and wins in 2024 [https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-fire-offensive-coordinator-john-morton-after-just-one-season-as-detroit-misses-postseason]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Lions In summary, the Detroit Lions are undergoing a critical transition following the firing of offensive coordinator John Morton. The decision reflects the team's desire to improve after a lackluster season that ended without a playoff berth. 1. **Firing of Morton**: The Lions parted ways with Morton after a disappointing season [https://www.nypost.com/2026/01/06/sports/lions-fire-offensive-coordinator-john-morton-after-one-season]. 2. **Coaching Strategy**: Dan Campbell's assumption of play-calling duties indicated a need for change [https://www.espn.co.uk/nfl/story/_/id/47531414/lions-fire-oc-john-morton-one-season]. 3. **Future Prospects**: The Lions are actively seeking a new offensive coordinator, with potential candidates like Mike McDaniel being considered [https://www.kob.com/ap-top-news/lions-have-reached-out-to-mike-mcdaniel-about-their-offensive-coordinator-opening-ap-source-says]. This restructuring aims to reinvigorate the Lions' offense and restore their competitive edge in the NFL.