Lions Find Ben Johnson Replacement in Former Broncos Coach

The Detroit Lions lost both of their coordinators in one fell swoop. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn joined the New York Jets as their new head coach, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is now the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.

More news: Patrick Mahomes Father Takes Massive Shot at Bills Following AFC Championship Loss

Johnson and Glenn became two of the most sought-after candidates following the recent success of the Lions. Though losing them might severely impact the team in 2025, Detroit has already found a replacement for Johnson.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, "Broncos pass game coordinator John Morton has emerged as a candidate to watch for #Lions offensive coordinator, per me and Tom Pelissero. He recently interviewed with coach Dan Campbell and was on the Detroit staff a few years ago."

The Lions have hired John Morton as offensive coordinator. Morton was the former pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos.

Considering the Broncos saw a resurgence under rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Morton joining the Lions is a big hire. He will now lead an offense that includes Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, David Montgomery, and more.

On top of being a player in the league from 1993 to 1997, Morton has a ton of experience on the coaching side of things. He got his first chance to coach following the end of his playing career when he was hired by the then-Oakland Raiders as an offensive assistant from 1998 to 1999.

Morton would remain with the Raiders until 2005, taking on roles such as offensive quality control coach and senior offensive assistant.

Following his stint with the Raiders, Morton would join San Diego, the New Orleans Saints, and then USC. Following his stint in the collegiate world, he would return to the NFL in 2011 with the San Francisco 49ers.

With the 49ers, Morton served as the wide receivers coach from 2011 to 2014. He would then return to the Saints as the wide receivers coach in 2015.

Morton finally got his chance to be an offensive coordinator in 2017 with the New York Jets, but that was short-lived.

Morton has over 15 years of experience as an offensive-minded coach. He will now be part of a Lions team that is angling to make the Super Bowl after failing to do so the past two seasons.

Detroit has turned into an NFC powerhouse, but they have yet to make it to the big show. With Morton leading the offensive, that could become a reality.

More NFL:

Commanders Star Zach Ertz Clears the Air About Retirement Plans Following NFC Title Loss

Chiefs' Drue Tranquill Calls Out Fans For Blaming Refs on Bills Loss, 'Kick Rocks'

For more on the Lions, head to Newsweek Sports.