5 offensive coordinator candidates for the Lions if they move on from John Morton

After the Detroit Lions' Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Lions head coach Dan Campbell made the necessary change. He took over the offensive play-calling duties. The result was a 44-point explosion by the Lions in Week 10.

At this time, we don't know what happens next, but logic would tell you that Campbell is probably going to hold onto the play sheet for the rest of the year. We have some history that points to that. He took play-calling duties from Anthony Lynn in 2021, and Lynn never got them back. He finished the season and then parted ways with Detroit.

If, and it's a big if at this point, the same thing happens with John Morton, here are five candidates who could be the Lions' next offensive coordinator:

Bears quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett

Barrett is definitely familiar with the Lions. He spent three seasons on the Lions coaching staff before heading over to the Bears with Ben Johnson. Speaking of Johnson, he gave Barrett a lot of credit in Detroit for being in charge of "specials."

Those are the trick plays that you saw the Lions running a lot under Johnson. Barrett, along with Seth Ryan and Steve Oliver, was tasked not only with installing these plays but also played a significant role in developing them.

Barrett is up and coming in the NFL, and he's rising fast. But is it too fast to be an offensive coordinator already? I don't know. Sometimes guys just get it. Barrett might be one of those guys.

Bills quarterback coach Ronald Curry

Curry has a history with Campbell since they were together in New Orleans for four seasons. Curry has been climbing the NFL coaching ladder for some time now. He's been a quarterbacks coach, receivers coach, and a passing game coordinator.

He's received some offenisve coordinator interviews around the league, but hasn't nailed down a gig just yet. The Lions could be that gig. This would be a return to Detroit for Curry. He was on the Lions training camp roster in 2009.

Commanders assistant quarterback coach David Blough

Another former Lions quarterback who is quickly rising in the coaching world. Blough has only been a coach in the NFL for one and a half seasons, but he is ready. That is why the Bears and Jets tried to interview him for their OC jobs.

The Commanders blocked both interviews. They know what they have there. The guy is one of he brightest football minds in the league. The Lions might want him back in the building, where he was basically already a player/coach. Would Washington block again?

Lions tight ends coach Tyler Roehl

Roehl just got to Detroit, but he's someone Campbell has had his eyes on for some time. Finally, he got him here this offseason. Roehl has a lot of play-calling history. He was an offensive coordinator at North Dakota State for five seasons and helped Trey Lance become the third-overall pick.

Roehl was also the assistant head coach at Iowa State with Matt Campbell last year. There's a lot to like about what he brings, but will the lack of NFL coaching experience count him out?

Lions offensive line coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley

It's only a matter of time before Fraley is an offensive coordinator in the NFL. He's had interviews during the last two offseasons, and he'll probably get more this offseason.

The Lions might as well be the team that gives him the gig with a nice promotion. His assistant, Steve Oliver, is ready to take over as offensive line coach, and Fraley knows exactly what this team wants to do on offense after eight years with the team. This one makes the most sense to me.

This story was originally reported by A to Z Sports on Nov 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add A to Z Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.