The story for the Detroit Lions this week has been the demotion of OC John Morton, with head coach Dan Campbell taking over calling plays. It seems that this sets the stage for Morton to exit the franchise at the end of the season or even before. Considering that Campbell felt the need to take over calling plays, it is simply difficult to believe that the two sides aren't going to part ways if the rest of the season goes as expected.
With this in mind, it is more than fair to begin considering who could be a potential replacement for the current OC. There will need to be a very specific fit with the Lions needing to bring in a coach who understands Campbell is going to be calling the plays moving forward.
If the franchise is going to continue to rely on its head coach in this role, it seems likely that a new coordinator would be an in-house option. A coach who already understands the offense and is going to be comfortable in the role without being allowed to call plays. This leaves one clear option for the franchise heading into the offseason.
Lions Have Obvious Great In-House Options to Replace Failing Coordinator John Morton
Former Washington Commanders quarterback Mark Brunell has been a member of Detroit's staff dating back to the 2021 season as the quarterback's coach. Over that time, the Lions' offense has evolved around the improving play of veteran quarterback Jared Goff.
Everything about Goff's performance suggests that the coach is doing his job at a high level and helping provide insight that only a former signal caller can. With this in mind, it makes sense to elevate not only someone already on the staff but a coach whom Goff has a great deal of comfort in.
Brunell has a long-term relationship with Campbell as well having played together in the 2009 season with the New Orleans Saints. The duo has long-standing trust and respect, making this a solid elevation for Brunell without putting any pressure on the head coach to hand over play-calling duties.
For Morton, it is difficult to suggest that the franchise turn the page, but it is simply hard to see it ending any other way. The moment Campbell took over, the offense exploded and exposed a lot of mistakes Morton had been making previously.
Parting ways with the coordinator and replacing him with Brunell makes the most sense for both sides and gives Morton a chance to find a more fitting landing spot.
If not Brunell, the Lions could look to offensive line coach Hank Fraley or assistant head coach Scottie Montgomery as ideal options. Fraley has been with the franchise for nearly a decade, while Montgomery has worked closely with Campbell and appears to have the trust of the head coach.
While both would be solid upgrades, Brunell remains the obvious option based on his experience as a quarterback and a strong relationship with Goff. Still, Detroit fans can take a breath knowing they have three great options already on the staff to replace a coach who simply didn't get the job done.