When the Detroit Lions head coach, Dan Campbell, took over the play-calling duties from his offensive coordinator, John Morton, in Week 10, we reported that both coaches weren’t seeing eye to eye. Speaking with the media after a win over the Washington Commanders, the Lions’ head coach reminded everyone of Ben Johnson’s playcalling era in Detroit and that it’s not the first time he has taken such a step.

“Don’t forget, Ben, I called those games. I called whatever that was, eight or nine games. I don’t remember what it was in 21 while he helped me, but he watched, he learned, he saw how I ran it, how I wanted to run it, what I was looking for, and then it evolved. He evolved it from there,” Campbell replied when asked if 8 games were enough to know a play caller.

Even though Campbell assured everyone that things were not like their 2021 season. In his first season as the Lions’ head coach, he had to take over play-calling duties after then-OC Anthony Lynn failed to run the offense. They lost the first 8 games in a row, then drew the Week 10 game after the bye week 9 before losing two again.

After starting the season as tight ends coach, Ben Johnson was promoted to the pass game coordinator mid-year. So, the Lions had a clear plan in mind. They wanted to make him the next offensive coordinator. But let’s call it as it is. While Campbell’s actions of teaching Johnson in 2021 were mentorship, the same actions in Morton’s example feel more like a demotion. The HC and OC are not aligned in the way the offense needs to play.

“He (Johnson) knew exactly what I wanted. And by the middle of 2022, I didn’t have to say a word. I mean, he was, and so that’s, that’s kind of where John is right now,” the Lions HC added.

Campbell earlier said that he took help from Morton and other coaches while calling the plays. He even praised the players for playing to their potential. It was a dominant 44-22. QB Jared Goff earlier praised the coach in his post-game conference. He even shone on the gridiron, completing 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and 3 scores. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs also supported with explosive runs. He ran 15 times for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns.

This year, the Lions are having a dominant 6-3 record after 10 weeks. But everyone is asking one question. Will Morton retain his job?

Dan Campbell reveals OC’s future

There are plenty of ways in which things can move ahead for Morton. However, Campbell clarified that his OC could get play-calling duties back once the he feels that Morton has understood his philosophy of playing and aligns the team to it.

“(It) is that, like or who knows? I mean, maybe sooner, right,” Dan Campbell replied when asked when Morton will start calling plays again.

For now, his decision is obvious. He will continue with play-calling and keep giving demonstrations to his OC. It didn’t happen in the first 9 weeks. The first sparks flew after the Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. While Dan Campbell blamed poor communication for their close 24-27 loss, the OC rejected it. Instead, he criticized his offensive line. That must have hurt the head coach.

A few days back, he was praising his young protectors, RG Tate Ratledge and LG Christian Mahogany, for stepping up to the challenges. So, instead of trying to play the blame game, he has taken the first step to show Morton how he wants to see his offense. The pressure is now on the OC to learn and adapt.