As expected, the Detroit Lions parted ways with offensive coordinator John Morton days after their 2025 season came to an end. After having play calling duties taken from him in the middle of the season, it was best to rip off the band-aid and move on. As coaching changes have happened around the league, time is of the essence in the search for a new coordinator.
With that in mind, reports have already offered two candidates for the Lions' offensive coordinator post. Head coach Dan Campbell will lead a thorough search though, ideally with no viable option left out of being possible in sheer deference to familiarity or previous ties.
In general, the composition of the coaching staff is not anything the general manager greatly concerns himself with. But Campbell and Brad Holmes might be more aligned than any head coach-general manager combination in the league. So Campbell might bring offensive coordinator candidates he's considering to Holmes, just to get his thoughts.
Brad Holmes might've revealed the starting point of Lions' offensive coordinator search
During his season-ending press conference, Holmes was asked about the quick decision to part ways with John Morton.
"In this business, in these chairs, you have to make some really tough decisions,” Holmes said. “Look, Johnny did a lot of good things with us this time around and the first time around. We're appreciative of all of his efforts and everything that he put into it."
“But, look, there is a time where you just have to make a decision, especially when candidates are becoming available,” Holmes said. “You have to just make the tough decision to move forward and move on.”
With head coach firings and other staff departures that have taken place around the league, some big name offensive candidates have surfaced to go with some who were already available. The Lions quickly showed interest in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel when he was fired.
Holmes confirmed that outside coordinator options will be considered, and having experience calling plays won't be a prerequisite. He also noted, in what seemed like a sneaky critique of Morton, the need for someone who has "leadership", is "detail-oriented" and has "command over the room."
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All of what Holmes said points to three potential offensive coordinator candidates being at the top of the Lions' list. All three are also getting looks for head coaching jobs, so it will be a challenge to hire them as a coordinator until those options are exhausted for each, and (obviously) they are not hired to be the head coach somewhere.
McDaniel is clearly one, with the almost instant interest in him proving it. Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is another. And while the stylistic fit feels strained, former Washington Commanders offensive coordinator (and Arizona Cardinals head coach), Kliff Kingsbury stands out as the third candidate of the ilk Holmes noted.
The Lions need to aim high, and invite outside ideas, in their search for a new offensive coordinator. The candidates Holmes seemed to strongly hint at are, at minimum, a good starting point.