10 Insightful Takeaways From Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator John Morton’s Media Session That Reveal Key 2025 Offensive Strategies Ahead

The Detroit Lions are coming off an exciting and promising 2024 campaign, and expectations are sky-high heading into the 2025 NFL season. Much of the spotlight has been on head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff, but a crucial piece of Detroit’s evolving offensive puzzle is new offensive coordinator John Morton. After being hired to replace Ben Johnson—who took a head coaching job elsewhere—Morton met with the media this week and offered a detailed look into his philosophy, goals, and how he plans to build on what the Lions already do well.

Morton, who has a diverse background including stints with the 49ers, Saints, Jets, and Raiders, didn’t offer flashy quotes, but his comments were thoughtful and packed with insight. Here are ten takeaways that stood out from his media session—points that not only tell us about his leadership style but also give a glimpse into the identity of the 2025 Lions offense.

First and foremost, Morton emphasized that he’s not here to reinvent the wheel. Rather than tearing down the offensive system that helped Detroit come within a whisker of the Super Bowl, Morton wants to preserve its foundation. “This offense was already successful. It’s about continuing that success, not changing it just for the sake of change,” Morton said. That means Goff will remain the centerpiece, play-action will stay a staple, and physicality will define the run game. Morton clearly respects what Johnson built and wants to honor that, blending his own wrinkles without disrupting the core.

Morton was also quick to back quarterback Jared Goff, a player he described as “in full command” of the team. He lauded Goff’s intelligence, accuracy, and leadership, adding that one of the first things that impressed him in offseason meetings was how well Goff understands the nuances of the offense. “He’s a coach on the field,” Morton noted. That endorsement matters because with Johnson gone, it would be easy to question whether Goff might regress. Morton made it clear: he believes Goff is not only capable of continuing to thrive, but potentially getting even better in 2025.

Third, Morton hinted at the evolution of the passing game, particularly when it comes to pre-snap motion and misdirection. While he won’t overhaul the system, Morton’s history suggests he’ll inject some West Coast principles and creative route combinations into the Lions’ aerial attack. “We’re going to use motion, formation variation, tempo,” he said. Expect the Lions to lean more into layered route concepts to help receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta find space and keep defenses guessing.

Another key point Morton addressed was the development of young skill players—most notably Jameson Williams. The explosive wideout was used more down the stretch last season, but still hasn’t had a true breakout year. Morton made it clear the team is expecting big things from him. “He’s got speed you can’t teach, but we want to make him a complete receiver,” Morton said. That includes route-running polish, better chemistry with Goff, and an expanded role in the short and intermediate passing game. Don’t be surprised if Williams sees a significant uptick in targets this fall.

The run game remains a central focus. Morton praised the “thunder and lightning” tandem of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, calling them “as good a one-two punch as there is in the league.” But he also mentioned the need to stay unpredictable. That could mean more outside zone runs, the occasional two-back set, and designed touches for Gibbs in space. Morton’s ability to maximize both backs without tipping the play call will be a major storyline in Detroit’s offensive evolution.

Offensive line play is another cornerstone, and Morton didn’t shy away from praising Detroit’s dominant front five. He also hinted at new looks, including some additional screen passes and designed rollouts to utilize the line’s athleticism. “When you have this kind of offensive line, you can do so many things,” Morton said. That kind of flexibility is a luxury many coordinators don’t have, and it’s clear Morton plans to use it to diversify the offense’s looks.

Morton was transparent about how critical red zone execution will be to improving the offense. While Detroit was strong in that area last year, there were missed opportunities in big moments, particularly in the NFC Championship Game. Morton believes efficiency inside the 20-yard line could be the difference between another playoff run and a true Super Bowl push. He mentioned leveraging multiple tight ends, pre-snap shifts, and “taking what the defense gives us” as areas he’s emphasizing in red zone installs this spring.

On the topic of tight ends, Morton offered high praise for Sam LaPorta, calling him a “rare player” and “already a mismatch problem.” But he also spoke about getting other tight ends involved, including newly acquired veterans and young depth pieces. “It’s about stress points. Defenses can’t cover everything,” Morton said. That philosophy hints at more two-TE looks, which could give Detroit the ability to go big without sacrificing versatility in the passing game.

Morton also touched on the importance of situational football—third downs, two-minute drills, and end-of-half scenarios. He stated clearly that those moments define games and that the team is drilling them heavily in early OTAs. “That’s when details matter most,” Morton explained. “The difference between converting and punting, between three points and seven, it’s razor thin.” It’s a coach’s cliché, but Morton spoke with enough conviction to believe it’s a serious point of emphasis.

Finally, Morton’s tone conveyed a sense of continuity and humility. He understands the pressure, but also the privilege, of inheriting one of the NFL’s top offenses. Rather than presenting himself as a savior, Morton spoke of collaboration—crediting Dan Campbell, offensive line coach Hank Fraley, and even the players themselves for setting a standard he hopes to elevate. “It’s not about me, it’s about us. It’s about the Detroit Lions,” Morton said to close out the session. That attitude will likely resonate in a locker room that has bought into Campbell’s culture of grit and selflessness.

In totality, Morton’s first formal comments as offensive coordinator painted a picture of a coach who’s confident, experienced, and adaptive. He respects the success the Lions have had but believes they can be sharper, more efficient, and more dynamic. There will be tweaks, but not at the cost of chemistry. And the early signs suggest that the transition from Johnson to Morton could be as seamless as Detroit hoped.

There’s always risk in transition, especially when it involves a high-powered offense and a team with championship expectations. But Morton didn’t sound overwhelmed. He sounded prepared. His answers weren’t loud or emotional—they were professional, calm, and rooted in strategy. That approach might just be exactly what Detroit needs to get over the hump.

This offseason, as fans dissect every training camp rep and preseason drive, the real intrigue lies in the subtle ways Morton’s influence will emerge. From how often Gibbs lines up in the slot, to whether LaPorta gets more red zone targets, to the third-down route trees for St. Brown and Williams, the fingerprints of Morton’s philosophy will be all over the field. And if his words this week are any indication, those fingerprints will leave a mark on one of the NFL’s most compelling stories heading into 2025.

Morton may not command headlines like Dan Campbell or Jared Goff, but he’ll be one of the most important figures in Detroit’s Super Bowl chase. He’s not here to chase credit or craft narratives. He’s here to coach. To teach. To refine. And maybe, just maybe, to help deliver something the Lions have never had before: a championship.