Jan. 17, 2026, 12:25 p.m. ET
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator John Morton has joined Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos as a postseason consultant.
Payton and the Broncos are readying to battle the Buffalo Bills in a Saturday AFC Divisional Round playoff matchup that will kick off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS from Empower Field at Mile High.
Morton has worked with Payton in the past in both New Orleans and in Denver. The 56-year-old Morton was a part of Payton’s initial staff in New Orleans in 2006, serving as the Saints‘ passing game coordinator and offensive assistant. Morton would later rejoin Payton in New Orleans as the Saints’ wide receivers coach in 2015-16.
After spending the 2022 season with Detroit as the Lions‘ senior offensive assistant, Morton reunited with Payton once more as the Broncos’ pass game coordinator in 2023-24 before spending the 2025 season as the Lions’ offensive coordinator.
Morton was fired as the Lions offensive coordinator after just one season in the position.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Morton spent eight games—less than half the season—as the Lions’ offensive play-caller in 2025. After its 27-24 home loss on Nov. 2 to NFC North division rival Minnesota, Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over as Detroit’s offensive play-caller.
When Morton was relieved of his duties as the Lions’ offensive play-caller midway through the season, Detroit was third in points per game (29.9) and eighth in total offense (350.8 yards per game). Detroit was averaging 225.6 passing yards and 125.1 rushing yards per game with Morton calling plays. The Lions started 5-3 with Morton as its offensive play-caller.
Detroit finished the season as the NFL’s No. 5 total offense (373.2 yards per game) and No. 5 scoring offense (28.3 points per game).
For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions