John Morton

John Morton (born September 24, 1969) is an American professional football coach and former wide receiver who is the offensive pass game coordinator for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He previously served as the passing game coordinator for the Broncos from 2023 to 2024, and was the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator in 2025.

Morton has also served as a senior offensive assistant coach for the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and at USC.

Playing career Morton played college football at Western Michigan, where he was a wide receiver. He played wide receiver professionally for the Canadian Football League Toronto Argonauts and on the practice squads of the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers.

Coaching career Oakland Raiders After ending his playing career in 1997, Morton began working for the National Football League's Oakland Raiders, initially in the personnel department for one season. In 1998, he took a coaching position in the organization, originally as an offensive assistant working with wide receivers, and eventually was promoted to senior offensive assistant on a team that made it to Super Bowl XXXVII under head coach Bill Callahan. After another year at the position, he was elevated to Tight Ends Coach for the 2004 season under new Raiders head coach Norv Turner. As expected, Morton eventually got the job. In 2010, Morton was retained as offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach under head coach Lane Kiffin.

San Francisco 49ers In 2011, Morton was hired as a wide receiver coach under head coach Jim Harbaugh.

New Orleans Saints In 2014, Morton was hired as a wide receiver coach under head coach Sean Payton.

New York Jets In 2017, Morton was hired by the New York Jets as their offensive coordinator under head coach Todd Bowles. On January 17, 2018, Morton was subsequently fired.

Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders In February 2019, Morton was hired by the Oakland Raiders as a senior offensive assistant under head coach Jon Gruden.

Detroit Lions In 2022, Morton was hired by the Detroit Lions as a senior offensive assistant under head coach Dan Campbell.

Denver Broncos On February 26, 2023, Morton was hired by the Denver Broncos as their passing game coordinator, reuniting with head coach Sean Payton.

Morton was heavily credited for helping enhance the development of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. His pass design was praised for helping Nix become more confident in finding defensive holes and building chemistry with his receivers.

Detroit Lions (second stint) On January 30, 2025, Morton was hired by the Detroit Lions as their offensive coordinator, replacing Ben Johnson, after his departure to become head coach of the Chicago Bears. On November 16, Morton was relieved of his duties as offensive playcaller with head coach Dan Campbell assuming the role for the remainder of the season. On January 6, 2026, Morton was fired by the Lions after one season.

Denver Broncos (second stint) On January 17, 2026, it was announced that Morton had re-joined the Denver Broncos' staff for the postseason as a consultant. On February 22, Morton was re-hired by the Broncos in his previous position of offensive pass game coordinator.

Personal life Morton has two daughters, Tierney and Sage.