John Morton is the Lions’ new offensive coordinator. On the defensive side of the ball, they hired Kelvin Sheppard to be their next defensive coordinator. Both are accomplished academics with experience in full-spectrum planning. Their markedly different leadership styles will create contrasting influences on how the team approaches the new season moving forward.
With nearly three decades of coaching experience at the high school, collegiate and professional levels, John Morton looks to meet this critical role. Before that he was the Lions’ senior offensive assistant in 2022. He’s spent the last two seasons with the Denver Broncos as their passing game coordinator. In that capacity, he was a major influence in the musical awakening of rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Morton’s reputation around the league, in addition to his work, is characterized by his energetic approach and collaborative spirit.
Kelvin Sheppard, 37, is in his fifth season with the Lions. As a player, Sheppard was a former linebacker who played eight seasons (Buffalo, Indianapolis, Miami, Detroit) in the NFL. Now, he’s taken that experience and distilled it into a powerful philosophy of coaching. Prior to assuming the role of defensive coordinator, he had spent time as the outside linebackers coach. In that position, he helped develop players during his time as the director of player development at LSU.
John Morton’s Vision for the Offense
Morton’s extensive experience in offensive strategy is expected to invigorate the Lions’ attack. His collaborative nature has won over players, and especially quarterback Jared Goff, sang the praises of Morton’s player-centric approach to leadership.
“I think his ability to listen to his players is massive. He’s got no ego. He’s very open to listening. He wants to know what we want to do,” said Goff. “It’s been fun to be a part of an offense, for not only myself but the leaders…to be able to give that input and to have it express itself in the plays.”
Morton’s time with the Broncos helped highlight his ability to get the best out of his players. Under his guidance, Heisman runner-up Bo Nix flourished, showcasing Morton’s ability to pivot and mold inexperienced talent. As he makes the move back to Detroit, he wants to create a buzzing space that fosters creativity and collaboration.
Besides encouraging a culture of communication, Morton focuses on execution and being nimble. His schemes will likely emphasize identification and motion before the snap, two things that he views as the foundation of good offensive football.
“Recognition leads to communication and if we can do that, we’re gonna execute at a high level,” remarked former coach Jon Gruden. “You’re gonna see a lot of pre-snap movement…and you’re going to see communication.”
Kelvin Sheppard’s Leadership on Defense
Sheppard’s promotion to deputy chief is another indicator of his quick rise up the coaching ranks. His time spent as outside linebackers coach have prepared him for this transition. He wants to build an aggressive, swarming and playmaking defensive superpower. He’s quick to give credit, admitting that success begins with collective accountability as a group.
“I’m not putting any pressure on myself, or any goals, or aspirations, or any of that junk,” Sheppard said. Perhaps no one knows the emotional dynamics of this team better than I do. If we do that everyday, change for the better, we are truly a juggernaut!
His dedication to improvement on the defensive side is extremely clear when competing with the defense. Sheppard has taken on a philosophy that prioritizes collaboration and ownership. He strives to create an atmosphere where players feel empowered to contribute ideas while ensuring that everyone remains focused on collective goals.
“I told the players… this isn’t my stuff I’m saying. This is our stuff,” Sheppard noted. “I’m not ever going to stand up here and say I’m some genius guru and I invented football.”
On her influence, linebacker Derrick Barnes said Sheppard is a “vibe.” He highlighted that Sheppard’s approach is to hold players accountable while giving them the freedom to play.
“He’s awesome. He’s doing a great job,” Barnes said. “He’s leading. He’s holding all of us to a high standard.”
Building a Strong Culture
For Morton and Sheppard, celebrating their own victories early on, the key will be instilling a positive culture in their new-minority units. Their magic to evoke emotion and build stories has already started to leave its mark. Players have praised Morton for his energetic presence and openness to input, while Sheppard’s dedication to fostering camaraderie and resilience stands out.
Cornerback Terrion Arnold echoed the sentiments regarding Sheppard’s approach: “That’s on me,” he commented when referencing how Sheppard takes responsibility for any player mistakes, further promoting a culture of accountability.
As the Lions prepare for the 2023 season, hope abounds. Morton’s innovative offensive strategies and Sheppard’s strong defensive leadership on the field the other day brought a fresh wave of optimism to fans and players alike. The intersection of their experiences puts Detroit in line for big improvements in performance on offense and defense.
Leave a Reply