Lions Get Bad News on Dream Coach Candidate

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The Detroit Lions just got bad news on their ideal coach candidate, as they search for a John Morton replacement.

The Detroit Lions are on the hunt for their next offensive coordinator, after the team released John Morton on January 6, following just one season with the team. Lions head coach Dan Campbell was making the offensive play calls for the majority of the season, so it was inevitable what was going to happen to Morton and only a matter of time.

After the Detroit Lions’ season wrapped up with a win over the Chicago Bears in a 19-16 final score, Campbell spoke to reporters. They asked  him if he would keep making those offensive play calls for the 2026-27 season, and he said he was open to it.

“I’m open to anything. I don’t know exactly where I’m at with that yet,” Campbell said. “I mean I guess one of the good things if I did do that, you don’t have to worry about somebody else leaving,” Campbell said. “You don’t have to worry about your play-caller leaving. So, that would be one of the perks of it.”

He added, “Listen, I’m going to think through all of that, and I think I really want to do what I feel is best for the team, and that included. If I believe that’s what’s best for us and I feel good about it, then I will. If I just feel like, ‘Eh,’ then I won’t do it.”

The main reason who the offensive coordinator position is to call offensive plays, so let’s hope he has a change of heart with the right person in the job. Now, one of the strongest candidates for that role so far may have a larger opportunity elsewhere.

Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Candidate Takes Interview for Head Coach Job

On Thursday, January 15, the Baltimore Ravens announced that they have officially interviewed former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel for their head coaching vacancy.

When McDaniel got let go from the Dolphins on January 8, the talk of him coming to Detroit was strong. He’s one of the top-minded offensive minds in the league, and even though it didn’t work out for him in Miami, he would still thrive in the offensive coordinator role.

But, if someone wants him to be head coach instead, such as the Ravens, that’s an obviously better offer, and he would likely take that over Detroit.

McDaniel was head coach of the Miami Dolphins for four years. He made the playoffs in each of his first two seasons, but the team never won a playoff game and didn’t make it there in his last two seasons. His overall record with Miami was 35-33 in the regular season.

Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Candidate in Demand

The Lions have already interviewed McDaniel for the offensive coordinator opening, according to a report from The Detroit News.

McDaniel is also interviewing for the Bucs’ offensive coordinator job Friday, according to a report from Greg Auman. So, he’s making the interview rounds with multiple teams.

In good news, Auman states, “He would consider a great OC opportunity better than a not-great head coaching vacancy.” That points to McDaniel being more than open to coming to Detroit, too. So, all is not lost.

Anne Erickson is an award-winning reporter for Heavy Sports covering the NFL, NBA and college football. Anne Erickson has years of experience covering the NFL and additional sports, and her work has been published via ESPN, Fox Sports and more. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in sports, including Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff. Erickson also hosts several podcasts and is a Detroit-based radio host. More about Anne Erickson