Thu Jan 30 14:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Lions Announce Morton as Offensive Coordinator, Sheppard as Defensive Coordinator

**Allen Park, MI** – The Detroit Lions made significant changes to their coaching staff today, announcing the hiring of John Morton as offensive coordinator and the promotion of Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator. Both appointments are effective for the 2025 season. Contract details were not released.

Morton, who served as the Lions’ Senior Offensive Assistant in 2022, returns to Detroit after spending two seasons as the Denver Broncos’ Passing Game Coordinator (2023-2024). During his time in Denver, he helped quarterback Bo Nix achieve impressive rookie numbers, including the second-most passing touchdowns (29), third-most completions (376), and eighth-most passing yards (3,775) in NFL history. Morton brings extensive NFL experience, including previous stints with the Raiders, Jets, Saints, and 49ers in various offensive coaching roles. His coaching career spans over two decades.

Sheppard, entering his fifth season with the Lions, takes the reins as defensive coordinator after serving as linebackers coach from 2022-2024 and outside linebackers coach in 2021. Under his guidance, linebacker Jack Campbell achieved a notable milestone, and Alex Anzalone had multiple seasons with over 125 tackles. Sheppard also helped Malcolm Rodriguez become the first Lions sixth-round or later pick to start Week 1 since 1987. Before coaching, Sheppard played eight seasons in the NFL.

In other Lions news, the team announced a partnership with Football Ontario to expand flag football, the return of the Michigan Girls High School Flag Football League, and Alycia Meriweather as the 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker. Additionally, Jared Goff was named the team’s Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, and Tom Alward was named High School Football Coach of the Year. The Lions also announced their first Canadian fan events, their Thanksgiving Day halftime show featuring Shaboozey, the acquisition of defensive lineman Za’Darius Smith, and Brian Lewis as the week nine High School Football Coach of the Week.

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