A Detroit Lions fan wears a robe with the Lions logo on it during a tailgate at Eastern Market before the Lions vs. Washington Commanders playoff game in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025.

Reports: Lions name John Morton as offensive coordinator

The Detroit Lions tabbed former Denver Broncos pass game coordinator John Morton as the team’s offensive coordinator, multiple media outlets reported Tuesday.

Morton, 55, will fill the vacancy left open after Ben Johnson became head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Under Johnson, the Lions boasted the NFL’s No. 1 scoring offense this season (33.2 points per game) and finished second in total offense (409.5 yards per game). Detroit’s points (564) and regular-season wins (15) this season were franchise records.

As for Morton, the Broncos finished 20th in the NFL in pass offense (212.4) and averaged 25.0 points per game.

Morton spent the 2022 season with the Lions as a senior offensive assistant before joining the Broncos in 2023. The Michigan native previously worked with quarterback Jared Goff during Johnson’s first season as offensive coordinator.

Morton served as the offensive coordinator with the New York Jets in 2017. He also has worked in various roles with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders, San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints.

–Field Level Media

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Bears’ Ben Johnson ready to take over ‘sleeping giant’

Ben Johnson sees a winner in the Windy City, and it didn’t take him long to say as much during his introductory press conference on Wednesday as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.

Wearing a navy blue suit and orange tie, Johnson further embraced his new team by telling reporters that he sees plenty of talent on this Bears team.

“Going into this season, I felt like this place was a sleeping giant,” said Johnson, who spent the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator with the NFC North-rival Detroit Lions.

“To be honest with you, I personally was more concerned about the Chicago Bears than I was about anyone else in this division. Now there’s a number of reasons why that did not unfold, and that’s why I’m here and I’ll get to the bottom of that. We’ll see if we can’t get that corrected and cleaned up.

“But I was very encouraged with what was already on the roster right here. This division, as hard as it is, I’m really excited about competing in it.”

Johnson, 38, takes over a Bears team that floundered to a last-place finish in the division this season. Chicago lost 10 straight after its promising start, including a 23-20 defeat at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day that led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29.

Johnson will aim to improve a Bears offense that managed the fewest yards (284.6) and tied for the fourth-fewest points per game (18.2) in the NFL with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the top overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Williams completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 3,541 yards with 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 489 yards, however he was sacked a league-high 68 times.

“It’s clear that modern football in the NFL is quarterback-driven. That is no secret,” Johnson said. “You can look at analytics, right now quarterback success is a higher predictor of winning and losing than turnover ratio — which has been for 20-plus years. That’s changed. There is no doubt, Caleb played a large component into my decision. He is a phenomenal talent that had, as many quarterbacks do, an up-and-down rookie year.

“Where I see my role is as a supporter of him. This offense will be calibrated with him in mind. We’re going to build this thing. This is not simply a dropping of a previous playbook down on the table and starting there — no. We’re ripping this thing down to the studs and we’re going to build it up with him (in mind) first and foremost, and then with the pieces around him next. I really look forward to challenging him and pushing him, as I said before, to continue to grow and develop.”

Under Johnson, Detroit boasted the league’s top scoring offense this season (33.2 points per game) and finished second in average total yards (409.5). The Lions’ points (564) and regular-season wins (15) this season were franchise records.

Now, Johnson is tasked with turning around the Bears — and he said Wednesday that he doesn’t think they are far off.

“Walking in this building yesterday gave me goosebumps,” Johnson said. “I don’t think many people understand how set up for success this place already is. This facility is outstanding. It is an A-plus facility. And I look forward to meeting all the people in this facility and getting to work.”

The Bears have not been to the playoffs since the 2020 season. Chicago has not won a playoff game since the 2010 campaign.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Bears officially announce Ben Johnson as head coach

The Chicago Bears announced the hiring of Ben Johnson as their head coach on Tuesday.

Johnson, 38, accepted the position with Chicago after three seasons as the offensive coordinator with the NFC North-rival Detroit Lions. He began his time with the Lions in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach before elevating to tight ends coach and later passing game coordinator.

“A proven leader with winning pedigree and a mind toward innovation, we are excited to welcome Ben and his family to Chicago as our head coach,” Bears general manager Ryan Poles said.

“Throughout our search process, I was thoroughly impressed by Ben’s character, intelligence, leadership and ability to connect. A progressive offensive mind, Ben’s plan for all three phases of our team, which is centered on creating a winning and competitive environment, became evidently clear. Meeting with Ben and gaining an understanding of his process and vision, the more confident we became that Ben is the right leader for our team and that he and I will be great partners in building our team and shaping our franchise for long-term success.

“It is undeniable how passionate Ben is for serving in the role of head coach of the Chicago Bears, and we are primed, equipped and excited to welcome him and his family to Chicago and to commence our process of building a championship-caliber team, together. This is just the beginning.”

Johnson will take over a Bears team that floundered to last-place finish in the NFC North this season. Chicago lost 10 straight after its promising start, including a 23-20 defeat at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day that led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29.

“The Chicago Bears are a world-class franchise with a phenomenal history and incredible fanbase,” Johnson said. “I am thankful to George (McCaskey, team chairman), Kevin (Warren, president and CEO), Ryan, and the entire organization for presenting me and my family with this tremendous opportunity. Having been on the opposing sideline, I can attest to how passionate Bears fans are about this city and their team, and I am honored to be their head coach.”

In each of Johnson’s three seasons as offensive coordinator, the Lions finished among the NFL’s top five in total yards and points per game.

Under Johnson, Detroit boasted the league’s top scoring offense this season (33.2 points per game) and finished second in average total yards (409.5). The Lions’ points (564) and regular-season wins (15) this season were franchise records.

Johnson will aim to improve a Bears offense that managed the fewest yards (284.6) and tied for the fourth-fewest points per game (18.2) with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the top overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches a replay against Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.

Reports: Bears set to hire Lions OC Ben Johnson as head coach

The Chicago Bears are closing in on a deal to hire Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, according to multiple reports on Monday.

Johnson will take over a Bears team that floundered to last-place finish in the NFC North this season after winning four of its first six games.

Chicago lost 10 straight after its promising start, including a 23-20 defeat at Detroit on Thanksgiving Day that led to the firing of coach Matt Eberflus on Nov. 29.

Johnson became available to hire after the top-seeded Lions’ surprising 45-31 home loss to the Washington Commanders in a divisional round game Saturday night.

The 38-year-old was one of the most coveted head coaching candidates this season.

His creative playcalling, which includes a deep bag of gadget plays, has helped Detroit sustain one of the league’s most potent offenses.

In each of Johnson’s three seasons as offensive coordinator, the Lions finished among the NFL’s top five in total yards and points per game.

Detroit boasted the league’s top scoring offense this season (33.2 ppg) and finished second in total yards per game (409.5). Their 564 points this season were a franchise record, as were their 15 regular-season wins.

Johnson will aim to improve a Bears offense that managed the fewest yards (284.6) and tied for the fourth-fewest points per game (18.2) last season with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the top overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches a play against Tennessee Titans during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Take 5: Early candidates to be Saints’ next head coach

The New Orleans Saints became the second team to get a head start on the NFL coaching carousel by firing Dennis Allen on Monday.

He follows Robert Saleh, who was let go by the New York Jets last month. Allen’s departure appeared imminent as the Saints dropped their seventh consecutive game on Sunday following two wins to begin the season.

Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi will serve as the team’s interim head coach for the remainder of the season, and here are five early candidates to become the Saints’ next head coach in the offseason.

5. Mike Vrabel, Browns Consultant
Vrabel, 49, is spending this season as a consultant for Cleveland after parting ways with Tennessee last offseason. The NFL’s Coach of the Year in 2021, Vrabel spent six years at the helm of the Titans. He is highly respected in league circles and is expected to be on the short list for several vacancies this offseason.

4. Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator
As impressive as the Lions’ offense is, Glenn has been doing an outstanding job leading the defense, which has continued to befuddle opponents following the devastating injury to pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Detroit is allowing an average of 357.1 yards per game, but a solid portion of that is coming in garbage time of blowout victories. The Lions are allowing only 18.5 points per game, good for sixth in the NFL entering Monday night.

Glenn, 52, has ties to the Saints’ franchise. After closing his playing career with a season in New Orleans in 2008, he returned to serve as the team’s defensive backs coach from 2016-20 before taking the reins of the Lions’ defense. The big hurdle in a potential third stint in New Orleans could be the team’s interest in an offensive-minded head coach following the failed Allen tenure.

3. Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
Brady has been lauded for his work with Josh Allen & Co. since taking over midseason in 2023. Despite deal away Stefon Diggs last offseason and Allen working with a mediocre group of wide receivers, Buffalo is fifth in the NFL averaging 28.9 points per game.

Brady also has strong ties to New Orleans, working as an offensive assistant for the Saints from 2017-18 before moving on to become the passing game coordinator for LSU the following season. After two years as the Carolina Panthers’ offensive coordinator, Brady moved on to Buffalo in 2022. He would potentially become the youngest head coach in the NFL, having just turned 35 in September.

2. Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Sticking with the offensive-minded theme, Monken currently oversees the NFL’s fourth-ranked offense in terms of total yards and No. 2 scoring offense at 31.4 points per game. Monken, 58, is a longtime offensive coordinator at the pro and college levels. He came to Baltimore last season after running Georgia’s offense for three years, winning a pair of national titles in the process.

Monken began his coaching career at Division II Grand Valley State in 1989 and has served stints at Notre Dame, Oklahoma State and LSU in addition to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Bucs and Cleveland Browns.

1. Ben Johnson, Lions Offensive Coordinator
Yes, Bill Belichick might be the biggest name available this offseason but no one is shaping up to be more sought after than Johnson. The Lions “only” have the seventh-ranked total offense in the league but Detroit is regularly blowing opponents out on the strength of an offense that leads the NFL with an average of 32.3 points per game.

How interested Johnson is in the Saints’ job could depend upon where New Orleans stacks up at the end of the season in terms of landing one of the top QBs in the draft and which other vacancies become available.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson speaks at Detroit Lions headquarters and training facility in Allen Park on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Report: Ben Johnson to remain as Lions OC

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reportedly is staying in the Motor City next season.

NFL Network reported on Tuesday that Johnson informed the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders that he’s remaining with the Lions. He previously interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching position, but Atlanta opted to hire Raheem Morris instead.

Johnson, 37, has been credited as the architect of an offense that led Detroit to a 12-5 record and its first division title in 30 years. He joined the Lions in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach and held other titles until becoming the team’s offensive coordinator in 2022.

Prior to joining the Lions, Johnson was with the Miami Dolphins from 2012-18. He started his coaching career at Boston College, where he was a graduate assistant from 2009-10 before being promoted to tight ends coach for the 2011 season.

The Commanders and Seahawks reportedly will meet with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for their respective head coaching vacancies.

Washington fired Ron Rivera as head coach after four seasons on Jan. 8, while Seattle parted ways with Pete Carroll after 14 seasons on Jan. 10.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson speaks at Detroit Lions headquarters and training facility in Allen Park on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024.

Reports: Seahawks interviewing Ben Johnson, Mike Macdonald

The Seattle Seahawks will interview Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for their head coaching vacancy over the next few days, per multiple media reports on Monday.

The Seahawks will interview Johnson on Monday, followed by Macdonald on Tuesday, per the reports. Since the Lions and Ravens lost their respective conference championship games on Sunday, both coordinators are free to interview immediately.

The Washington Commanders, the only other NFL team without a head coach, are also interviewing Johnson and Macdonald over the next two days, per the reports.

Macdonald, 36, interviewed this winter with the Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders. He just completed his second season as defensive coordinator.

Johnson, 37, has been on the Lions’ staff since 2019 and has served as offensive coordinator since 2022. He interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching position, but Atlanta hired Raheem Morris last week.

Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have also interviewed for the Seahawks’ vacancy.

Seattle fired Pete Carroll, the head coach since 2010, following a 9-8 season.

–Field Level Media

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson shakes hands with guard Kayode Awosika during warmups before the NFC divisional playoff game between the Lions and Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan, 21, 2024.

Falcons interview Ben Johnson for HC vacancy

The Atlanta Falcons announced Sunday that they have conducted a virtual interview with Ben Johnson as they continue to search for their next head coach.

Johnson, 37, has been on the Lions’ staff since 2019. He currently serves as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, a role he took over in 2022.

Prior to joining the Lions, Johnson was with the Miami Dolphins from 2012-18. He started his coaching career at Boston College, where he was a graduate assistant from 2009-10 before being promoted to tight ends coach for the 2011 season.

Atlanta has now interviewed 13 candidates to fill its head-coaching vacancy. Among those potential suitors are former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Buffalo Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The Falcons fired Arthur Smith on Jan. 8. He went 21-30 in three seasons at the helm, and Atlanta never won a playoff game during his tenure.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn watches warm up during training camp at the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

NFL coaching roundup: Assistants emerge as candidates for top job

Names of assistant coaches who could make the rounds in interviews for NFL head coach openings began to emerge Monday, with three playoff-bound assistants topping the list.

The Washington Commanders, who fired coach Ron Rivera on Monday, reportedly requested permission from the Detroit Lions to interview offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Reports also said they asked for the OK to talk to Raheem Morris, the DC of the Los Angeles Rams.

All three work for teams in the NFL playoffs, meaning they can interview virtually after this weekend’s wild-card round, but the interviews need to be conducted before the divisional round on Jan. 21.

The Lions and Rams will meet Sunday in Detroit.

Johnson has been credited as the architect of an offense that led the Lions to a 12-5 record and their first division title in 30 years.

Glenn was named the best defensive coordinator in the NFL in a survey released last week by the NFL Players Association.

Morris has head coaching experience and a 21-38 record with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-11) and Atlanta Falcons (2020).

In other news of assistant coaches:

–Three assistant coaches are leaving the New York Giants, head coach Brian Daboll said.

Offensive line coach Bobby Johnson and special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey were dismissed, and Daboll said running backs coach Jeff Nixon has been hired as offensive coordinator at Syracuse.

“I respect both of those guys (Johnson and McGaughey) and their commitment to the team. But we wanted to make a change,” Daboll said.

Daboll said he expects coordinators Wink Martindale (defense) and Mike Kafka (offense) to return.

–Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said in his season wrap-up news conference that he does not anticipate any significant changes to his coaching staff.

That applies to defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, whom he was asked about specifically.

“I believe in continuity,” Steichen said. “I’ve got a ton of confidence in Gus.”

The Colts’ defensive line tallied 51 sacks this season, the most since the franchise relocated to Indianapolis in 1984.

–Field Level Media

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches open practice at Family Fest at Ford Field on Saturday, August 6, 2022.

Loyalty from OC Ben Johnson to net raise from Lions

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is back with the Lions, and there is a reported reward after the popular candidate for head-coaching openings decided to return to Detroit.

NFL Network reported Thursday that Johnson will be welcomed back with an enhanced contract and a large raise for spurning overtures from other teams.

Johnson had virtual interviews to become head coach with three teams, and was scheduled for a second, in-person interview on Wednesday with the Carolina Panthers.

But Johnson opted to instead return to the Lions in 2023, which will be his second season as OC. The 36-year-old was promoted to the play-calling role after the 2021 season, replacing Anthony Lynn.

Quarterback Jared Goff delivered a stellar season and credited Johnson, but joked he’d stop relaying how good he was in order to keep him around.

“He’s been as instrumental as any coach I’ve ever had,” Goff said. “Our communication is as good as I’ve ever been a part of, and he does a great job with not just me, but everybody. … But if he does end up (leaving for a head-coaching job), I’ll be thrilled for him. He’s a hell of a coach, and that’s why you get in this profession, is to do that.”

The Lions ranked fifth in scoring and fourth in total offense this past season. Detroit had 4,000 passing yards and 2,000 rushing yards in the same season for the first time in team history.

The overwhelming momentum from the Lions’ turnaround has influenced players as much as coaches.

General manager Brad Holmes said players with opportunities to exit in free agency have almost universally voiced their preference to stick around, too.

“I don’t ignore the reality of there’s other elements of that business that we’re going to have to deal with, but it was cool to hear because those guys believe in what we’re doing and they believe it’s the right way,” Holmes said. “They like how they’re treated, they can be themselves, and it was just cool to hear that they think that we’re doing it the right way.”

–Field Level Media