Despite offensive coordinator John Morton's plea to stay with the Detroit Lions, the franchise made the firing official. As accomplished as Morton's resume might be, the performance of Detroit's 2025 roster left no question that a change was needed. Still, it is tough to see a veteran coach fail to this level, leading head coach Dan Campbell no choice but to make a change. One that has opened up the possibility of a familiar face bringing in the failed offensive coordinator.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is getting ready for the first round of the playoffs. hosting the Green Bay Packers. This points to an incredible failure of Detroit, a season after being heralded as the NFC's top threat. Johnson's departure took a lot of the shine off Dan Campbell, and now that narrative has a chance to continue with the Bears being a possible landing spot for the fired John Morton.
Sports Mockery's Dhruv Koul replied to the report of Morton's firing, offering that he was, "Curious if Ben Johnson considers him for a role on his staff, especially if guys on the Bears' current offensive staff are poached by new HCs around the league." This is a great point, with many teams looking to steal from the success that Johnson's Bears have gone from one of the league's worst teams to one of the most dominating.
Former Lions Offensive Coordinator John Morton Has Perfect Potential Landing Spot with Ben Johnson
It makes sense from Johnson's perspective to buy low on a coach you're familiar with and have every reason to believe can turn things around in the right landing spot. Morton has been coaching in the league in some capacity since the 1998 season, offering incredible experience and leadership, having helped navigate so many different eras of the league. This makes an enticing addition, although clearly the coach isn't qualified as an offensive play caller.
This makes the addition to Chicago all the more sense, and Johnson isn't giving up these responsibilities anytime soon. It is also a chance for a division rival to stick it to the Lions and further expose just how much credit Johnson is owed for Detroit's great seasons prior to his departure. It is a bad look for Campbell, who is coming off not only missing the playoffs but failing as Detroit's offensive play caller.
With this in mind, Morton to the Bears makes far too much sense to ignore when you consider the qualifications and the likelihood that members of Chicago's staff are poached for higher roles. Morton to Chicago perhaps serves as a chance for a veteran coach to rebuild value and for Johnson to continue to prove just how missed he is by a Detroit staff that often appeared completely lost throughout the 2025 season.