The Detroit Lions fired former New York Jets offensive coordinator John Morton.
NFL Insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic shared the news on social media, “After coming in to replace Ben Johnson, Detroit moves on after just one season from the veteran assistant.”
After coming in to replace Ben Johnson, Detroit moves on after just one season from the veteran assistant.
Ben Johnson ditched the Lions coaching staff this past offseason to become the next head coach of the Chicago Bears. The Lions attempted to replace him with Morton, and it failed miserably. Halfway through the 2025 season, Lions head coach Dan Campbell stripped him of playcalling.
Morton, 56, was the Jets’ offensive coordinator during the 2017 season. They finished 5-11 that season. Morton was one-and-done as a coordinator with the green and white.
The leading passer that season for the Jets was Josh McCown. He finished with 2,926 passing yards, completed 67.3% of his passes, and had an 18 touchdown to nine interception ratio.
Bilal Powell was the leading rusher for the Jets in 2017 with 772 rushing yards. While the top pass catcher was the artist formerly known as Robbie Chosen. He finished with 63 receptions on 114 targets for 941 receiving yards, and he scored seven touchdowns.
Temple of Regret for the Lions?
Detroit’s first attempt to replace Ben Johnson was a disaster.
Two teams had a chance to either keep or poach Tanner Engstrand. Detroit skipped over him for Morton. While Chicago chose Declan Doyle instead.
It’s hard to blame the Bears for their decision because they finished with an 11-6 regular season record, won the NFC North, and are hosting a playoff game on Super Wildcard Weekend.
However, it’s easier to see how the Lions made a mistake. After making the playoffs in each of the last two years, Detroit missed the dance this year.
Engstrand had spent five seasons with the Lions from 2020 through 2024 in a variety of roles. Those included: offensive assistant, offensive quality control coach, tight ends coach, and passing game coordinator.
He ended up following Aaron Glenn to the Jets to be his offensive coordinator. While the numbers are pretty ugly from his first season at the controls, some of it you can understand.
Undrafted free agent quarterback Brady Cook was running his offense for the backend of the season.
When you measure the final regular-season quarterback grade and EPA per play, Cook finished dead last.
That is impossible to judge. The Jets seemingly agree.
ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler recently shared that Engstrand is likely safe as the Jets’ OC.
“Engstrand’s play design and calls were good enough this season to warrant a shot to develop a rookie quarterback (if that’s the way the Jets go in April). Getting him proper assistant coaches around is a no-brainer for the team going forward,” beat reporter Nick Faria wrote for Jets X-Factor.
A Former Jets Exec Gaining Some Steam
Chad Alexander worked for the Jets for nearly five years as the director of player personnel from 2019 through 2024.
He left during the 2024 offseason to become the assistant general manager with the Los Angeles Chargers. Now it may be time to make the leap to GM.
NFL Insider Ari Meirov revealed that Alexander appears to be a finalist for the Miami Dolphins’ vacant general manager gig.
Another interesting point of note is that Alexander spent 20 years with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Jets.
Meirov highlighted that Alexander crossed over with John Harbaugh in Baltimore. He is currently with the Chargers, led by John’s brother, Jim Harbaugh.
Perhaps that could be a hint of Miami’s interest in that potential pair. NFL Insider Josina Anderson shared on social media that the Dolphins have an “affinity” for Harbaugh.
Lions Fire Ex-Jets Coordinator, Live in the Temple of Regret