Exclusive 1-on-1 Interview with Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator John Morton
In a candid and insightful conversation, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator John Morton sat down for an exclusive interview with NFL Network’s Dannie Rogers to discuss his vision for the team, his approach to offensive strategy, and the key players he’s working with to elevate the Lions’ offense in 2025. Morton, who has a long and successful career in the NFL, has been tasked with helping lead the Lions to new heights, and this interview sheds light on his thoughts and plans.
Dannie Rogers: First of all, Coach, thank you for taking the time to chat with us. The Lions have seen a significant change in offensive philosophy since you came aboard. What excites you most about this offense heading into the 2025 season?
John Morton: Thank you, Dannie. It’s great to be here. What excites me most is the talent we have on this roster. From the quarterback position down to our offensive line and skill players, there’s a lot of potential. We have a strong core, and my job is to help them gel together and make sure we’re running an offense that puts these guys in the best position to succeed. We’ve made strides since last season, and I’m looking forward to fine-tuning things and getting our offensive rhythm just right. The goal is always consistency and execution, and I believe we’re getting closer to that every day.
Dannie Rogers: Speaking of consistency, Jared Goff had a great season last year, and you’ve been working closely with him. What are some areas you’re focusing on to take his game to the next level?
John Morton: Jared has been fantastic for us. One thing I’ve really appreciated is his ability to make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure. But, as with any quarterback, there’s always room for growth. We’re working on increasing his ability to read defenses post-snap, especially when it comes to handling pressure and being more effective on the move. A big part of that is his footwork and the timing of his throws. We want him to be even more precise, especially in the short-to-intermediate passing game. I think Jared can really take his game to another level with better timing and more trust in his weapons. As an offense, we also want to put him in positions where he can use his natural strengths, such as his deep ball accuracy. He’s come a long way, but there’s definitely more to come from him.
Dannie Rogers: Let’s talk about the running game. The Lions’ backfield, particularly Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, has been one of the most dynamic in the league. How do you see the running game evolving under your guidance?
John Morton: Both Jamaal and D’Andre are incredible players with unique skill sets. Jamaal brings that toughness and determination to fight for every yard, and D’Andre has that explosiveness and breakaway speed that makes him dangerous when he finds a crease. I think our offensive line is key to getting the running game clicking even more effectively. Our goal is to make sure we have the balance that keeps defenses guessing—whether it’s establishing a power run game with Jamaal or stretching the field with D’Andre’s speed and versatility. We want to ensure we’re always staying unpredictable, and both backs are going to be key in our rotation. We’re also working on more creative ways to use them in the passing game as well, keeping defenses off balance and getting the ball in their hands in space. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between establishing the run and taking shots downfield.
Dannie Rogers: Let’s dive into the wide receivers. Amon-Ra St. Brown seems like a player who’s poised for even more growth this season. What has stood out to you about his work ethic and his potential?
John Morton: Amon-Ra is exactly the kind of player you want to work with. He’s incredibly driven, and his football IQ is through the roof. What stands out to me the most is his attention to detail—whether it’s in his route running, his conditioning, or his ability to create separation. He’s a technician, and that’s a rare quality at such a young age. What I love about Amon-Ra is his versatility. He can line up anywhere, and we’ve already seen him be effective from multiple positions. He’s a weapon, and our goal is to continue to get him the ball in different ways, whether it’s in the slot, on the outside, or even motioning him out of the backfield. He’s someone who can really dominate, and we’ll be looking to expand his role even further as he continues to develop. He’s the type of player who makes everyone around him better, and that’s invaluable.
Dannie Rogers: You’ve worked with some top-tier offensive players in your career. Is there a particular offensive philosophy or approach that you bring to the table that differentiates you from other coordinators?
John Morton: Great question. I think the thing I try to bring to the table is a balance between flexibility and structure. Every team is different, and every player has his strengths, so I’m always looking for ways to tailor our offense to the personnel we have. I’m a big believer in mixing up our schemes and keeping defenses off balance. I love the idea of a diversified attack where we can beat you in a variety of ways—whether that’s with power runs, quick-hitting passes, or deep shots. The key for me is adaptability. I want to create an offense that can attack multiple levels of the field and use our players’ unique talents to exploit weaknesses in the defense.
But at the same time, it’s important that we maintain discipline and execution. The structure and timing of our plays are crucial. We want to execute at a high level and not get too caught up in being overly complicated. If we can keep things simple, let our players make plays, and remain unpredictable, that’s where I think we’ll have success.
Dannie Rogers: It’s clear you’re all about getting the best out of your players. Looking ahead, what’s your biggest goal for this offense as we head into the season?
John Morton: My biggest goal is consistency. Last year, we saw flashes of how dangerous this offense can be, but consistency in execution is the next step. We need to make sure we’re finishing drives, not just getting yards but putting points on the board. We have all the tools we need, but we need to stay disciplined and focused. We also want to keep growing the identity of this offense. It’s not just about individual performances; it’s about creating a cohesive unit that works together. The goal is for every player to know their role and execute it at the highest level possible.
Ultimately, the offensive success we’re aiming for is one where every player knows their responsibilities, we’re attacking defenses from all angles, and we’re putting our guys in a position to shine. If we can do that consistently, we’ll be a tough offense to stop.
Dannie Rogers: Coach Morton, thank you for your time today. We’re excited to see how this offense evolves under your leadership.
John Morton: Thank you, Dannie. It’s been a pleasure. I’m excited for the season and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.