Detroit City Wire

The Detroit Lions have announced the appointment of John Morton as offensive coordinator and the promotion of Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. The details of their contracts remain undisclosed.

John Morton returns to Detroit in 2025 as the team's offensive coordinator after serving as a Senior Offensive Assistant for the Lions in 2022. During his time away from Detroit, Morton worked with the Denver Broncos as Passing Game Coordinator from 2023 to 2024, where he contributed to quarterback Bo Nix's impressive rookie performance. Morton's extensive NFL experience includes roles with various teams such as the Raiders, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and San Francisco 49ers. His coaching career also spans college football, including positions at the University of San Diego and USC.

Kelvin Sheppard steps into his role as defensive coordinator after four years with the Lions organization. Previously, he was linebackers coach from 2022 to 2024 and outside linebackers coach in 2021. Under Sheppard's guidance, several players achieved significant milestones, including Jack Campbell and Alex Anzalone. Before coaching, Sheppard had an eight-year playing career in the NFL with multiple teams before returning to LSU in a developmental role.