Following a disappointing 9-8 season, the Detroit Lions have officially dismissed offensive coordinator John Morton after only one year on the job. Morton was hired to maintain the team's high-scoring standards after their previous coordinator left for a head coaching position, but the offense struggled to find a consistent identity. The decline in performance led head coach Dan Campbell to seize play-calling duties mid-season, a role he may retain permanently to ensure coaching stability. Despite boasting Pro Bowl talent like Amon-Ra St. Brown, the team failed to qualify for the postseason for the first time in several years. Campbell is now evaluating the team's future leadership as he reflects on a season he personally graded as a failure.

Detroit Lions heading into 2026 following a 9-8 season. The team’s primary concern involves rebuilding an offensive line that struggled significantly after losing key veteran leaders to retirement and free agency. To address defensive gaps, the organization is looking to pair a consistent edge rusher with star Aidan Hutchinson while weighing the potential departure of veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone. Financially, the Lions face a tight salary cap situation that may necessitate difficult roster cuts, including the possible release of longtime tackle Taylor Decker. Finally, the analysis suggests using a high first-round draft pick to bolster the defense with elite talent at the secondary or linebacker positions.

Dan Campbell’s F-Grade and the Lions' Postseason Absence

Lions Eliminated From Playoff Contention

Detroit Lions: The Heavy Toll of Success and Injury

Lions Own Defeat After Costly Late Penalties

Detroit Lions Playoff Hopes and Defensive Struggles

The Resilience and Loyalty of Jared Goff

NFL MVP Candidate Ranking

Record-Breaking St. Brown Triumphs Over Injury for Lions

The Dan Skipper Game Controversy

Cowboys Lions Week 14 Playoff Scenarios Preview

Lions Cornerback Arnold Placed on Injured Reserve

Injury Vetoes Frank Ragnow's Lions Comeback

Lions' Predicament: Playcalling, Fourth Downs, and Resolve

Pro Bowl Center Ragnow Returns to Detroit Lions

Aidan Hutchinson's Landmark Lions Contract

Lions' LaPorta Out for Season After Back Surgery

NFL injury reports and league news, specifically announcing that Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has been ruled out of an upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles due to a back injury. The source also includes a broad menu of ESPN NFL content, which highlights numerous other headlines covering injuries to players on teams like the Broncos and Jaguars, updates on coach performance, analysis of quarterback play, and future draft and free agency projections. Additionally, the article quotes Lions coach Dan Campbell expressing confidence in backup tight end Brock Wright to fill LaPorta's role, noting that other key Lions players, including All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph, were also ruled out.

Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator John Morton's support for Head Coach Dan Campbell taking over play-calling duties, emphasizing his desire to do whatever it takes to win. Morton expressed pride in his work while acknowledging the need for improvement, noting the offense's improved "flow" during the successful game where Campbell called plays. The article also provides a brief overview of the Lions' offensive statistics under Campbell and raises the question of whether the success was due to the coaching change or the Washington Commanders' poor defense.