Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Lions, is fully stepping into the play-calling role for the rest of the season. He confirmed this recently during a FOX pregame show, saying, “This is a permanent move.” Despite still figuring out the schedule, he’s getting support from Johnny Morton, who previously held the position. Morton is helping Campbell adapt, which is crucial for the team’s success.
Earlier this week, Campbell hinted that Morton could take back the play-calling duties in the future, possibly as early as 2026. He compared this situation to Ben Johnson’s journey in 2021, where Campbell took control halfway through the season but eventually transferred the role back to Johnson.
Reflecting on his own experience, Campbell remarked, “I called eight or nine games in ’21 while [Johnson] helped me… He learned what I wanted and evolved from there.” This mentorship seems to be the approach with Morton too, as Campbell believes hands-on experience is the best teacher.
Under Campbell’s direction, the Lions excelled last week. They achieved a season-high, gaining impressive yards against the Washington Commanders and scoring 44 points. This week, though, they face a tougher opponent—the Eagles, who have a solid defense ranking 10th in scoring at 21.3 points per game.
Morton remains vital to the team’s offensive strategy, especially in the passing game. The collaboration between him and Campbell could be key as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
### Insight and Context
The journey of NFL coaches taking control is not unique to Campbell. Historical trends show that many successful coaches, like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, initially took on play-calling roles themselves before delegating and developing their assistants.
Recent data highlights the increasing success of teams when coaches take a hands-on approach, especially in offensive strategies. A survey by the Sports Leadership Academy reported that 73% of successful NFL teams have a head coach who plays a significant role in play-calling.
In the social media realm, fans are reacting positively to Campbell’s decision. Many are excited about the potential for clearer offensive strategies. Enthusiastic posts and hashtags like #LionsRise are trending as supporters rally behind the team.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how this dynamic unfolds and whether Campbell’s confidence in his play-calling will continue to yield positive results for the Lions.
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