Anonymous NFC exec comments on Lions' offensive play-calling future

5 days ago 2

On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler gathered intel on potential moves all 32 NFL teams could make.

After a 9-8 finish in 2025 that has the Detroit Lions outside the playoffs for the first time since 2022, the Lions have already made one major move, firing offensive coordinator John Morton.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell assumed offensive play-calling duties over Detroit's final nine games, and Campbell retaining offensive play-calling responsibilities isn't off the table for 2026.

As ESPN's Fowler gathered intel on the Lions, one anonymous NFC executive evaluated some of what Campbell and the Lions are weighing with this decision on its offensive play-calling future.

The firing of offensive coordinator John Morton gives head coach Dan Campbell the chance to redefine the Lions' offense. The loss of Ben Johnson affected Detroit more than it probably wanted to admit. Campbell opted for continuity with Morton, a Detroit assistant in 2022. "I know [Campbell] likes calling plays, but they have so many weapons and that's a coveted job to get a really good playcaller in there," an NFC executive familiar with the Lions said. - Jeremy Fowler, ESPN

Detroit does boast one of the best offensive corps in the NFL. Even following a season in which its offensive line wasn't the version of itself that the Lions had become accustomed to, Detroit ranked fifth in both total offense (373.2 yards per game) and in scoring offense (28.3 points per game).

Lions quarterback Jared Goff finished second in the league in passing and in passing touchdowns with 4,564 yards and 34 touchdowns. Plus, with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Detroit brings back the NFL's only duo of pass-catchers that both finished inside the league's top 10 in receiving yardage.

Mix in running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery and that's one of the healthiest situations for any OC to step into.

Per a report from NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, one of the Lions' initial offensive coordinator candidates is former Detroit quarterback David Blough.

With an option like Blough, who spent the past two seasons with the Washington Commanders as its assistant quarterbacks coach, it might make more sense for Campbell to retain the offensive play-calling responsibilities at least initially.

Naturally, with an established offensive coordinator and play-caller, Campbell would hand the reins over. It'll be interesting to see how Campbell and the franchise weigh that decision on the correct direction for the franchise's future offensive play-calling.

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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Anonymous NFC exec comments on Lions' offensive play-calling future

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