Sam LaPorta on New Lions OC John Morton: He has a ‘Brilliant Mind’

Sam LaPorta on New Lions OC John Morton: He Has a ‘Brilliant Mind’

After a remarkable 15-2 season that ended disappointingly with a loss at home to the Washington Commanders in the NFC divisional round, the coaching staff of the Detroit Lions underwent significant changes. One of the key departures was offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who took on the role of head coach for the Chicago Bears phspin. To fill the vacancy, the Lions brought in John Morton, the passing game coordinator from the Denver Broncos. Morton is highly regarded by his star tight end, Sam LaPorta. mag

LaPorta’s Take on the New Coaching Staff

In a recent interview, LaPorta expressed his thoughts on the new coaching staff, saying, “Fortunately, we kept a couple of our position coaches. We have the same run game system this year, the same verbiage, which, as you can imagine, is a lot. But Johnny Mo, who has been a pass game coordinator his entire life, has a brilliant mind. I think he’s gonna call the offense great.”

Morton’s Coaching Background

Before his two-year stint in Denver under head coach Sean Payton from 2023 to 2024, Morton served as a senior offensive assistant for the Lions during the 2022 season. His coaching resume also includes time as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2017, as well as various assistant coaching roles with the Las Vegas Raiders from 2019 to 2021.

LaPorta’s Performance and the Lions’ Offense

LaPorta, who achieved Pro Bowl status during his rookie year in 2023, recorded 60 receptions for 726 yards and seven touchdowns last season. ph366 According to Pro Football Focus, he ranked sixth among tight ends with a 79.1 receiving grade and had an overall grade of 73.8, placing him 10th among his peers.

The Lions’ offense last season was deemed one of the best in the league, leading the NFL with an impressive average of 33.2 points per game. They also ranked second with 263.2 passing yards and 409.5 total yards, as well as sixth for rushing yards at 146.4. Five of Detroit’s 11 offensive starters received Pro Bowl invitations for the upcoming 2025 Pro Bowl Games: quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tackle Penei Sewell, and center Frank Ragnow.

Coaching Departures and New Roles

In addition to losing Ben Johnson, the Lions also bid farewell to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who became the head coach for the New York Jets. jili macao login Defensive line coach Terrell Williams took the role of defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots. Other departing coaches include passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, who followed Glenn to the Jets, along with wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett, both of whom went to the Bears.

This marks Morton’s second opportunity to serve as an NFL offensive coordinator, having previously held the same position with the Jets in 2017. bonus365 ios download

What are your thoughts on the Lions’ new coaching changes and John Morton’s appointment?