On Thursday, Morton met with the Detroit media in his final press conference of the 2025 season, where he said he would love to remain with the organization in 2026.
Advertisement
“I’d like to be here. I love it here, I love Dan (Campbell), I love the organization, it’s my home. All I’m thinking about is Chicago right now, so whatever happens, happens,” Morton said.
The Lions were a better statistical offense with Morton pulling the strings this season. Detroit went 5-3 and averaged 29.9 points and 125.1 rushing yards per game before the trade. After Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties, the Lions went 3-5 and scored 26.8 points per game and averaged 114.8 yards rushing.
Still, offensive consistency eluded the Lions throughout 2025.
Although Morton acknowledged he would like the opportunity to call plays again, he said he would like to stay with the Lions in 2026 even if he does not have offensive play-calling responsibilities.
Advertisement
“Listen, I told you before, I’m a team player, man. I’ll do whatever it takes at this point in my career. Whatever Dan wants, I’ll do it. So I’m here to help him and help this team win and that’s what I’ve done. I’m proud of some of the work I’ve done, obviously, so that’s where I’m at with that…
“We’re going to look at the offseason and I’m going to go forward like I’m the coordinator calling plays and trying to get better. It’s like I said, I’m going to do whatever it takes, but I’m going to go forward like I’m going to call the plays and if that doesn’t happen, that’s fine,” Morton said.
Until then, Morton is focused on trying to lead the Lions to a fourth straight winning season with a win at Chicago (11-5) in the 2025 Detroit finale.
“Listen, I’ve been in this business for a while. I’m proud of the things I’ve done. There’s a lot of things I have to improve on. So whatever happens, happens. But listen, my main focus is Chicago right now, that’s all I’m thinking about and that’s all I do. I live in the moment, I always have,” Morton said.
Advertisement
During Morton’s first season in Detroit as a senior offensive assistant in 2022, the Lions ranked fourth in total offense (380.0) and fifth in scoring (26.6 points per game). Five Lions offensive players were selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022.
Originally from Rochester Hills, Michigan, Morton is a 1997 graduate of Western Michigan.
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire and like our Facebook page..
This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions OC John Morton open to Detroit returning without play-calling duties