Here's what Dan Campbell said when he took over play-calling in 2021

In a surprising move on Sunday, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties from offensive coordinator John Morton. While not fully unexpected amid growing calls for it to occur or for Morton to move to the sideline, the unannounced nature of it and speculation surrounding Campbell's spectacles caught many off guard.

The move was a successful one, as the Lions' offense dominated in their 44-22 win over the Washington Commanders. The late-season change in play-calling was eerily reminiscent of a similar move Campbell made in 2021 when, around the same time in the season, Campbell took over from then-OC Anthony Lynn. At the time, the Lions were 0-8, but with Campbell calling the shots, they ended the season on a 3-5-1 run and 3-3 in their final six games.

Campbell's first game as play-caller in 2021 did not go as well as it did on Sunday. The Lions tied the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-16. Although it prevented a 0-17 season, the offense was nothing like what fans are used to today. After the game, Campbell was asked if he took over play-calling. He confirmed it, adding:

"This is a collaboration, here. And I'm taking a lot of input. I still talk to (Anthony Lynn). Plays come in and go, but yes, I was giving (the plays) to Jared (Goff)."

As for what went into the decision to make the change, Campbell explained:

"I thought, hey, one of the things was why not change it up a little bit, here. I wanted to be able to talk to (Goff) in-game, and sometimes I think you're able to get into the flow of the game, when you're the guy who's calling it, it just helps to know where exactly to go."

If this all sounds a little familiar, it should. Campbell used similar wording after the Lions' victory over the Commanders:

"It was just let's try something a little different, right, you know. Look, I know what I want to do, and how I want to do it. Now, that being said, this is a collaborative effort, man. I was taking input from John Morton the whole time, and the other coaches."

Yes, much of what Campbell said is coach-speak. He's media trained, after all. It is still interesting to see parallels between both situations, like Campbell emphasizing that there's still collaboration with the OC at the time. Despite that collaboration, the Lions and Lynn parted ways after the conclusion of the season. Coincidentally, Lynn is currently the run game coordinator and running backs coach for the Commanders.

Was there discontent with the OC in 2021 and 2025?

In both postgame pressers, Campbell dismissed the notion that the move is significant. In 2021, Campbell said, "Honestly, I don't think it's a big deal." In 2025, he said, "Let's just see if maybe a different play-caller can maybe give us a little rhythm, that's all. And it honestly is nothing more than that."

In 2021, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that Lynn was having difficulties connecting with Goff at the time and that their "relationship never really clicked." Both Goff and Campbell denied that report. After Lynn's demotion, Goff threw for 11 TD passes to two interceptions for a passer rating of 101.8. Beforehand, Goff threw for eight TDs to six interceptions for a passer rating of 85.3.

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No specific reporting has emerged over Morton's locker room perception, but Morton's assessment of the offense differed from Campbell's after their Week 9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. For example, Campbell noted that communication was still an issue, while Morton said it was "really good." Previously, when Morton was the OC with the Jets, various reports emerged about frustrations over his play-calling and "frosty" relationship with coaches and players, contributing to his firing.

If history repeats itself, the Lions' offense should begin to improve over time, and the team will likely part ways with Morton after the season. The Lions could then hire an internal OC candidate again, go with another external hire, or have Campbell assume play-calling duties indefinitely. The fact remains that, whatever the reason, this was a necessary move just like in 2021. Unlike 2021, the difference this time has been immediate.