The Denver Broncos are bringing in a familiar face to help shape their offense-John Morton is reuniting with head coach Sean Payton as an offseason consultant, per reports. Morton, who was recently let go after a one-year stint as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, is stepping into a new role that could quietly carry some weight in Denver’s offensive planning.
This move isn’t coming out of nowhere. Morton and Payton have history together, dating back to their time with the New Orleans Saints. Back in 2015, Morton served as the Saints’ wide receivers coach, working under Payton for two seasons before taking the offensive coordinator job with the New York Jets in 2017.
That Jets chapter was short-lived-just one season-but Morton’s résumé is anything but shallow. He’s been around the NFL block, starting his coaching career with the Raiders in 1993.
Since then, he’s logged time with the Packers, Jaguars, Chargers, 49ers, and had multiple stints with the Raiders. Most recently, before his OC gig in Detroit, he was the Broncos’ passing game coordinator in 2022.
Now, at 56, Morton returns to Denver in a consulting capacity, bringing with him over three decades of NFL experience and a deep familiarity with Payton’s offensive philosophy. While it’s not a headline-grabbing hire, this reunion could be a savvy behind-the-scenes move for a Broncos team still trying to find consistent footing on offense.
As for the Lions, they’re back in the market for a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Morton following just one season. That search will be one to watch, especially with a young core on offense looking to take the next step.
Morton’s coaching journey has had its share of twists, but his latest stop in Denver could be an opportunity to quietly influence a Broncos offense that’s still evolving under Payton’s leadership.