Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took the 2025 season into his hands when he assumed play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton. And there are several different ways this could turn out.
On one hand, Campbell may have just lit a fire under Morton to better utilize an offense with a top-10 quarterback in Jared Goff and one of the deadliest 1-2 running back punches in the league, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Watching the head coach wear multiple hats and galvanize the group, which worked in spades during the team's 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders in Landover, Maryland, last week, could be a good way for Morton to regroup and find an identity again.
Morton claimed he supported the decision when asked about it.
"I'm still doing everything, I'm (just) not calling the game," Morton said. "You always have to be positive. It ain't about me, it's about the team ... I'm gonna do whatever it takes. Why mope around so players can see that? What good does that do?"
“I’ve been doing this for a while, I’ve been with head coaches who are offensive guys, play callers, so I’m used to that. I feel very prideful with the things I was doing. There’s some things that I’ve got to learn, no doubt, just like everybody else."
Of course, it could also go the other way. Chemistry could be permanently damaged, and trust could be lost from the sudden midseason switch. And while he said all the right things in response, Morton has left Campbell and Detroit before, and if anything, he was just given a perfect reason to do it again.
Either way, Campbell's decision to take play-calling responsibilities from Morton will be a moment that will be looked back on as a pivot point.
Lions Looking to Make Positive Step in Playoff With Offense
Ben Johnson's attack was successful last year for the Lions in the NFC Divisional Round, but the defense ceded 45 to Jayden Daniels and the Commanders, sealing a one-and-done postseason for Detroit.
This year has to be different. With Kelvin Sheppard's group overcoming several injuries to maintain a top defensive group, it's now on Morton to get it together and properly utilize an array of weapons most OC's don't have access to.
Campbell may have just made the correct strategic dice roll to get that result. Time will tell, and it'll take humility and discipline from Morton to make it work.
But Campbell made a change, which is something winning coaches do. It's why he gets paid the big bucks.