Report: Broncos brought back former assistant John Morton as consultant

The Denver Broncos are looking for every edge they can get this time of year.

And a familiar voice in the building was a strategy for head coach Sean Payton leading into the divisional round game against the Buffalo Bills.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, former Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton was brought back as a consultant this week. Morton was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions during the regular season before getting fired 11 days ago.

Former Lions offensive coordinator John Morton, who worked with Sean Payton in New Orleans and in Denver, joined the Broncos this week as a consultant for the postseason, per sources. pic.twitter.com/DePBkke92q

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 17, 2026

Morton was originally hired by the Broncos in Feb. of 2023, joining Payton’s initial staff in Denver. He worked with Russell Wilson that season then Bo Nix as a rookie in 2024.

Developing Nix helped Morton land the Lions OC job after Ben Johnson left to be the head coach of the Chicago Bears. It didn’t work out in Detroit as he was let go after only one year.

But Payton worked with Morton during two different stints in New Orleans and also brought him on with the Broncos. He clearly trusts Morton, so figured it was a good idea to have him around this week.

It probably won’t make a huge difference in the outcome versus the Bills, but it’s definitely an interesting note.

If the Broncos win, you have to think Morton sticks around for AFC Title Game prep next week. If they lose, he’ll likely be looking for his third gig in three years this offseason.

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