Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Lions Make Coaching Decision After Missing NFL Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 5:19 PM ET

The Detroit Lions’ 2025 campaign fell short of expectations, as a team projected to repeat its 2024 success instead sputtered down the stretch and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

Offense, once a strength, lost its spark as injuries and offensive inconsistency piled up. Detroit’s talented corps, including Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs, produced highlight moments, but the unit struggled to sustain drives and put up consistent points.

Midseason adjustments saw head coach Dan Campbell take over play-calling duties, a sign of deeper issues with offensive rhythm and identity. Despite flashes, the Lions’ inability to maintain offensive momentum became a defining storyline as the regular season closed.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell.Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Lions finished the season with a 9-8 record and ranked fourth in the NFC North. Following a disappointing season, the front office now turns its attention to offseason evaluation, with major decisions to be made. The first big move came down on Tuesday.

Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the Lions are parting ways with offensive coordinator Johnny Morton. The Lions made the move official via a post on X moments later.

The Lions announced today that they have parted ways with offensive coordinator John Morton.
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 6, 2026

Morton’s tenure was marked by uneven performance and a midseason loss of play-calling responsibilities, as Campbell assumed offensive play-calling duties in November when the unit failed to find consistent traction. Morton had been hired on Jan. 30, 2025, replacing Ben Johnson, who left to become head coach of the Chicago Bears.

In their final coordinators press conference of the year, Morton had expressed loyalty to the organization and a desire to help Detroit’s offense succeed, but acknowledged that head coach Campbell and his staff must make choices that best position the team for future wins.

With this change now official, the Lions are expected to cast a wide net for a new offensive coordinator this offseason, a pivotal first step in reshaping a unit that underachieved relative to its talent and expectations.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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