John Morton didn’t stay on the sidelines for long.
Just 11 days after being let go by the Detroit Lions, the veteran offensive coach is back in the mix-and this time, he’s chasing a Super Bowl. Morton has joined the Denver Broncos as a postseason consultant, reuniting with head coach Sean Payton ahead of the team’s Divisional Round showdown with the Buffalo Bills.
This move isn’t exactly out of left field. Morton and Payton have a long history together, going back nearly two decades.
Most recently, Morton served as Denver’s pass game coordinator in 2023 and 2024, working directly under Payton. Their connection dates back even further to their days with the New Orleans Saints-Morton was on Payton’s staff in 2006 as a passing game coordinator and offensive assistant, and later coached wide receivers in 2015 and 2016.
Now, Morton steps back into the fold in Denver, this time in a more behind-the-scenes role as a consultant. But make no mistake-his fingerprints could still be felt if the Broncos make a deep run.
What makes this move particularly intriguing is the timing. Morton was dismissed by the Lions after just one season as offensive coordinator, despite the team finishing fourth in the league in scoring at 28.3 points per game.
That kind of offensive output usually earns praise, not pink slips. But Detroit’s 9-8 finish and failure to make the playoffs led to changes, and Morton became the odd man out.
Still, his track record speaks volumes. Morton has been part of several teams that came painfully close to winning it all.
He was on the Raiders staff when they fell to the Buccaneers in Super Bowl XXXVII. He helped guide the 2006 Saints to the NFC Championship Game.
And he played a key role on Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers staff during their dominant run from 2011 to 2013, which included a narrow Super Bowl loss to the Ravens in Super Bowl XLVII.
Now 56, Morton has more than 20 years of NFL coaching experience under his belt, but that elusive Super Bowl ring has always just slipped through his fingers. With Denver back in the playoffs and Payton once again calling the shots, Morton has another shot to change that narrative.
For the Broncos, bringing him in now is a savvy move. Postseason football is all about the details, and Morton’s familiarity with Payton’s system-and his experience in high-stakes games-adds another layer of insight to a team looking to make noise in January.
The Broncos and Bills kick off Saturday at 4:30 p.m. EST. And while Morton won’t be on the sidelines, his presence in the building could be a quiet X-factor as Denver looks to keep its Super Bowl hopes alive.