Former Detroit Lions coach interviewed to succeed Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator

The search to replace Aaron Glenn as defensive coordinator is over, and the focus now shifts to candidates to replace Ben Johnson as Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. According to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Denver Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton has emerged as a candidate to watch for the Lions offensive coordinator position.

The report also stated that Morton recently interviewed with head coach Dan Campbell.

Morton’s name may sound familiar. This is because he served as a senior offensive assistant for the Lions in 2022. He also interviewed for the Lions’ offensive coordinator position when Campbell first took over as head coach in 2021.

Last year (h/t to Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit), when asked about current passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, Campbell said this about Morton.

“John Morton, man, Johnny was – Johnny’s a superstar now and there’s a number of things that he did for us last year that are things that we’ve kept,” says Campbell. “And I really believe that helped Tanner as well. And he absorbed a lot of it, learnt from it, and grew as a result.”

John Morton is an obvious candidate to replace Ben Johnson as Lions’ OC.

Days before Rapoport and Pelissero’s report, SI.com’s John Maakaron identified Morton as a potential candidate to be the Lions’ next offensive coordinator.

Aside from four seasons (2007-2010) at USC, Morton has worked in the NFL continuously since 1998. He began his career as an offensive assistant with the Oakland Raiders before moving on to the New Orleans Saints (passing game coordinator in 2006; wide receivers coach from 2015 to 2016) and San Francisco 49ers (wide receivers coach from 2011 to 2014). He previously served as an NFL offensive coordinator with the New York Jets for one season in 2017.

Morton left the Lions for his current position as Sean Payton’s passing game coordinator in Denver. He worked with Campbell on Payton’s staff in New Orleans for two years (2015-2016), and as previously stated, he interviewed for Anthony Lynn’s offensive coordinator position in Detroit four years ago.

Campbell went to great lengths to express his desire to keep as much of the Lions’ offence intact as possible with a new coordinator. Morton appears to achieve that philosophical alignment better than virtually any other outside candidate.

Critics Point to Tom Brady’s Live FOX blunder During Commanders-Lions Showdown

After making a mistake during his most important broadcast moment of the season, the NFL legend who is now a rookie commentator stirs up controversy once more.

In his first season as FOX’s primary colour commentator, Tom Brady made an on-air error during the Washington Commanders’ unexpected victory over the Detroit Lions that garnered attention. Brady made a mistake when he said that Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels’ pass was his first incompletion. Viewers were left wondering if his commentary was accurate, though, as a FOX graphic showed it as his second errant pass of the game.

Brady’s $375 Million Bet Is Under Investigation

There have been highs and lows during Brady’s first season in the broadcast booth, and Saturday’s mistake only serves to add to the mounting criticism. The seven-time Super Bowl champion replaced Greg Olsen as FOX’s chief analyst and inked a lucrative 10-year, $375 million deal. However, following a string of on-air gaffes, some fans are wondering if the investment has been worthwhile.

A Juggling Act: FOX’s Role and Brady’s Raiders Ownership

Brady’s role as a broadcaster is further complicated by his affiliation with the Las Vegas Raiders. Brady, who owns a minority stake in the team, is not allowed to discuss his ownership during FOX broadcasts. He has reportedly been actively involved in the Raiders’ hunt for a new head coach in spite of this, even personally supporting Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Lions. Potential conflicts of interest are brought up by this dual commitment.

Za’Darius Smith Shines Despite a Broadcast Error

There were some noteworthy moments in the game itself. Fans were reminded of Lions defender Za’Darius Smith’s skill when he batted down Daniels’ pass during the contentious play. Smith, a seasoned Pro Bowl player who has represented several NFC North teams, was signed by the Lions in the middle of the season to cover for injured star Aiden Hutchinson. His influence was indisputable, despite Brady’s shaky commentary.

Commanders Show Incredible Upset Despite the Odds

The Washington Commanders’ victory over the Lions took centre stage despite the broadcast drama. With the victory, they advance to the NFC Championship and will play the Rams or the Eagles. The question still stands as to whether Brady’s commentary will get better or if more errors will overshadow his first season in the booth. Both critics and fans will be closely observing.

Detroit Lions expected to sign former All-Pro defender during the offseason

The Detroit Lions are considering adding former All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack to their defence during the offseason.According to Zack Cook of SportsGrid, the Lions may make a move to sign Mack if he decides to continue his playing career rather than retire.

Khalil Mack’s Career and Production

Mack’s sack totals have dropped in recent years, but he remains an intriguing option for a team looking to improve its pass rush. Mack had only six sacks in 2024, a significant drop from his impressive 17 sacks in 2023. Despite the drop in production, Mack still showed flashes of his elite pass-rushing ability, as evidenced by his two-sack performance against the Texans earlier this season.

According to Brad Berreman of SideLion Report, Pro Football Focus ranks Mack among the top 30 in quarterback pressures and top-25 in pass rush win rate, which is an impressive performance for a player in his prime, let alone one in the latter stages of their career. This suggests that, while Mack is no longer the dominant force he once was, he can still make an effective contribution to a contender’s defence.

What Would it Cost the Lions?

If the Lions pursue Mack, he will most likely be less expensive than he was previously because of his age and recent production. However, his experience and the possibility of a short-term contract could make him an important addition to Detroit’s defensive line, particularly as the Lions look to improve their pass rush ahead of a potential Super Bowl run in 2025.

Mack, 33, could sign a one-year contract with the Lions to show that he still has it, potentially filling a key role opposite Aidan Hutchinson. If the Lions believe Mack still has enough gas in the tank to make a significant impact for another season, they should strongly consider bringing him aboard.

A Veteran Presence for the Lions.

With a defence in need of more pass-rushing power, adding a player with Mack’s experience could help solidify Detroit’s defence as they strive for a deeper playoff run in 2025. Adding an experienced edge rusher like Mack could provide the boost they need to take the next step.

Time will tell if the Lions pursue Mack, but if he continues to play, signing a proven veteran could be an appealing option for a rising team.

The complete list of the 2025 Detroit Lions free agents

Breaking down all of the Detroit Lions’ UFA, RFA, and ERFA free agents for the 2025 offseason.

In the 2025 offseason, the Detroit Lions have 48 players who finished the season on the 53-man roster, practice squad, or injured reserve but are not currently under contract.

Let’s take a look at the four different groups that players can be assigned to, as well as which players belong in each group.

24 unrestricted free agents (UFAs).

Unrestricted free agents are players with expiring contracts and at least four seasons of NFL experience. While they do not currently have a contract with the Lions, Detroit has the option to negotiate a new deal at any time. If they have not reached an agreement with the Lions by March 10, 2025—when the free agent tampering period begins—the players listed below may begin negotiations with other NFL teams.

Note: Starters are bold.

QB Teddy Bridgewater

WR Tim Patrick

WR Allen Robinson

OT Dan Skipper

RG Kevin Zeitler

OG Netane Muti

EDGE Marcus Davenport

EDGE Al Quadin Muhammad

DL Levi Onwuzurike

DL: John Cominsky

DL Jonah Williams

DL Patrick O’Connor

DL Myles Adams

NT Kyle Peko

LB Derrick Barnes

LB Ben Niemann

LB Anthony Pittman

LB Ezekiel Turner

CB Carlton Davis

CB Kindle Vildor

CB Khalil Dorsey

CB Emmanuel Moseley

DB Ifeatu Melifonwu.

K. Michael Badgley

16 Street Free Agents (SFA)

Street free agents are players who finished the season on the Lions’ practice squad but were not offered a future contract. Because practice squad contracts expire seven days after a team’s last game, the Lions’ practice players will become SFAs on January 25.

(Note: The Lions are expected to begin offering futures contracts in the next few days.)

The distinction between a UFA and an SFA is that SFAs are not required to wait until March to negotiate a contract with another team, as they are immediately eligible to begin contract negotiations with all 32 teams.

Quarterback Jake Fromm

RB Jermar Jefferson

WR Tom Kennedy

WR Maurice Alexander

WR: Donovan Peoples-Jones

TE James Mitchell

OT Jamarco Jones

OC: Kingsley Eguakun

DL Chris Smith

EDGE Isaac Ukwu

LB Kwon Alexander

LB Abraham Beauplan.

LB DaRon Gilbert

CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver.

S. Lored Strickland

S. Erick Hallett

Three restricted free agents (RFA).

Restricted free agents are players with expiring contracts who have only played three seasons in the NFL. The Lions, like UFAs and SFAs, can enter contract negotiations at any time, but they can also offer these players one-year contracts.

The one-year tenders are divided into three categories:

First round: Worth an estimated $7.2 million.

Second round: Estimated $5.2 million.

Right of first refusal: estimated $3.2 million.

If the Lions offer these players a tender, they have the option of accepting the one-year deal or negotiating a contract with another team during free agency. Assume you have reached an agreement with another organisation. In that case, the Lions can match the offer (as they did with Brock Wright last offseason) or allow the player to sign elsewhere and be compensated for the tender.

RB Craig Reynolds

TE: Shane Zylstra

OG Kayode Awosika

5 Exclusive Rights Free Agents (ERFA)

Exclusive rights free agents are players with expiring contracts who have less than three years of NFL experience. The Lions, like RFAs, can offer these players a qualifying tender; however, unlike RFAs, there is only one tender option available, and the player is not permitted to negotiate with another team unless the Lions choose to release them from that restriction.

That means that if the Lions offer an ERFA a one-year contract, the player has the option of accepting the offer and playing for the Lions or sitting out the season. If the Lions do not tender the player, he becomes a UFA and is free to negotiate with other teams during the March free agency period.

OT Connor Galvin

IOL Michael Niese

EDGE Mitchell Agude

LB Trevor Nowaske

DB Morice Norris

Our upcoming annual Detroit Lions depth chart/contract tracker will provide a comprehensive overview of the team’s roster and current contracts.

Lions’ Aaron Glenn breaks silence after declining Patriots’ interview request

Aaron Glenn Explains Why He Declined Patriots’ Interview Request

The New England Patriots recently hired Mike Vrabel as their head coach, a decision that many believed was likely from the outset. While the Patriots interviewed several candidates during the hiring process, some declined their requests, including Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Speculation arose that Glenn declined the interview because the Patriots were attempting to satisfy the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coaching roles. However, Glenn addressed the rumors during a media session, clarifying his decision.

“Lions DC Aaron Glenn says the New England job ‘just wasn’t the best situation for me,’ but doesn’t feel any ill will toward the organization,” ESPN’s Eric Woodyard wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Woodyard continued, “Lions DC Aaron Glenn on head coaching job interviews: ‘I think you learn a number of things from each year that you go through them.’ Glenn says he is himself in every interview. Either you like him or you don’t, but he’s focused on the task in Detroit.”

Glenn’s success with the Lions’ defense has made him a sought-after candidate for head coaching positions. His work in Detroit has drawn attention from teams in need of leadership, including the New York Jets, who are reportedly interested in him, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

“Well, it feels like their search is expanding rather than contracting,” Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. “It just feels like there are more and more candidates interviewed there all the time. I think they’re being very thorough in their approach.

“I expect that later this week that they’ll begin whittling it down to second interviews for candidates for GMs, maybe even head coaches, depending on the schedule; I still think that when you’re looking at the Jets, I believe Aaron Glenn is square in play there as one of the potential guys.”

The Jets are not only searching for a head coach but also need to fill their general manager role. Whoever takes these positions will face significant challenges and will need a clear vision for the team’s future. Glenn could be a strong fit for the Jets, but his decision will ultimately depend on whether he believes the organization aligns with his values and goals.

Malik Brown is a multimedia reporter based in Atlanta who covers the Hawks and Dream for ClutchPoints. Malik specializes in sports and entertainment, focusing on the NBA and NFL.

ESPN analyst believes this coach is a better contender than Ben Johnson for the Chicago Bears

If you’re among the Chicago Bears fans hoping Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will become the team’s next head coach, ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky’s latest take might disappoint you.

On Monday’s episode of NFL Live, Orlovsky suggested that former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy would be a better fit for the Bears than Johnson.

Here’s what Orlovsky had to say:

Dan Orlovsky has Mike McCarthy as a BETTER candidate for the Bears than Ben Johnson. Ryan Clark thinks the Bears should keep Thomas Brown as OC to team up with McCarthy. 👀

Give me your thoughts Chicago? #DaBears #Bears #ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/yoCTClbXXR

— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) January 13, 2025

He listed three reasons for preferring McCarthy: 1) McCarthy is a great leader, 2) he has significant experience, and 3) he has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks within a structured system.

Though Orlovsky’s opinions can sometimes be frustrating, I have to admit—he might be onto something here.

The Next Bears Coach Must Focus on Quarterback Development

The most critical long-term task for the Bears’ next head coach will be the development of Caleb Williams. If Williams evolves into a superstar franchise quarterback, the Bears could enjoy sustained success.

McCarthy stands out as one of the few available candidates with a proven ability to achieve this. He played a pivotal role in Aaron Rodgers’ success in Green Bay and helped Dak Prescott elevate his game in Dallas. McCarthy also won plenty of games with both teams.

While Bears fans seem uninterested in McCarthy—or even someone like Mike Tomlin—the coaching search has essentially narrowed to Johnson as the preferred option, which can be a risky strategy.

Rather than chasing the latest coaching sensation, Chicago might need a stabilizing figure whose extensive resume earns instant respect in the locker room. McCarthy’s history with quarterbacks is an added advantage.

The Bears are set to interview McCarthy on Wednesday. If he makes a strong impression, it might not be long before he’s officially tasked with developing Caleb Williams.

About Bryan Perez

Bryan Perez is the founder of Bears Talk, a Chicago sports blog. He previously covered the Bears for USA Today’s Bears Wire and NBC Sports Chicago. Additionally, Perez is a respected NFL Draft analyst and a former winner of The Huddle‘s Mock Draft competition. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Northeast scout for the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks.

Kerby Joseph is one of six Lions named an All-Pro

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The Associated Press has named six Detroit Lions to the All-Pro teams. Kerby Joseph, who was notably left out of the Pro Bowl, is one of them.

The news came from the AP on Friday afternoon. The Associated Press named four Lions to their first team, which includes the best players in the league at their position. Joseph is one of them. Penei Sewell was chosen for right tackles, Amon-Ra St. Brown was chosen as a receiver, and Jack Fox was chosen as a punter.