Story by
Lions Could Tap Ex-Vikings QB to Run the Offense
- Story by
- Lions Could Tap Ex-Vikings QB to Run the Offense
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Former quarterback David Blough made a pit stop with the Minnesota Vikings at the start of the Kevin O'Connell era in 2022, and three and a half years later, he may become the next offensive coordinator in Detroit .
The Lions ' interest signals a real coaching rise, with Blough hoping to take his first OC gig.
Advertisement
The Lions need a new offensive boss in 2026 and have chosen Blough for an interview as part of the process.
Detroit's Offensive Shakeup Puts David Blough on the Shortlist
Some won't remember him as a Vikings' signal-caller, but the name will be ultra-familiar in Detroit if Blough plays his cards right.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback David Blough throws during a practice session midway through Sep. 30, 2022, at Hanbury Manor in Thundridge, United Kingdom. Blough worked through passing drills as Minnesota prepared overseas, taking reps with the offense while coaches evaluated depth options during the team's international schedule. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee–USA TODAY Sports.
John Morton Out in DET
Morton is a one-and-done as the Lions' playcaller.
ESPN's Eric Woodyard wrote Tuesday , "The Lions have fired offensive coordinator John Morton after one season, the team announced Tuesday. Morton, 56, was brought in to replace Ben Johnson, who was hired as head coach of the Chicago Bears after the Lions' record-setting 15-win season in 2024."
Advertisement
"Detroit finished 9-8 this season and failed to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2022. Head coach Dan Campbell took over the offensive playcalling duties from Morton in Week 10, coming off a 27-24 upset loss to Minnesota on Nov. 2. Campbell said he hasn't decided whether he'll remain the playcaller moving forward."
Morton lasted one season in Detroit, coming from the Denver Broncos last offseason.
Lions to Interview Blough
Step right up, Mr. Blough, says Lions head coach Dan Campbell .
NBC Sports' Josh Alper noted Tuesday, "A former Lions quarterback is in the mix to be the team's next offensive coordinator. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Commanders quarterbacks coach David Blough is the first identified candidate for the job. There's no word on the timing of Blough's interview with the team."
Advertisement
"Blough began the season as Washington's assistant quarterbacks coach and took on the main responsibilities after Tavita Pritchard left to become the head coach of Stanford. Blough joined Washington in 2024 after wrapping up his playing days in 2023."
Blough played for the Lions from 2019 to 2021 and again on the practice squad in 2023, crossing paths with Campbell in 2021 and 2023.
Blough's Playing Career
Blough's time in Minnesota never reached the field. In 2022, he lived on the practice squad strictly as insurance. When the Vikings reshuffled the quarterback room by acquiring Nick Mullens and cutting Sean Mannion and Kellen Mond , Blough became the emergency option. If everything went sideways, he was the call.
Advertisement
His NFL path was always about availability, basically "just in case." He entered the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent with Cleveland , then landed in Detroit just before the start of the season. With the Lions, he bounced between QB2 and QB3 duties behind Matthew Stafford , rotating through the backup mix alongside Jeff Driskel and Chase Daniel .
Circumstances pushed him into action that rookie year. When Stafford went down, Blough started five games, throwing for 984 yards with four touchdowns and six interceptions. The results were rough.
Detroit didn't win any of those starts, and the production reflected a quarterback trying to survive his early career grind. One of those starts came against Minnesota on December 8, 2019, where he was sacked three times by Danielle Hunter and finished with two interceptions.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback David Blough releases a pass during second-half action midway through Jan. 1, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, against the Falcons. Blough stepped into extended snaps as Arizona worked through late-game situations, moving the offense while operating behind a reshuffled lineup. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis–USA TODAY Sports.
Blough later started two games for the 2022 Cardinals, two losses when Kyler Murray briefly hit the shelf. Before the NFL, he earned Third-team All-Big Ten honors at Purdue in 2018.
Advertisement
He held the assistant quarterbacks job in Washington for two years, as Alper mentioned above.
The Lions' Offensive Numbers
The Lions finished ninth in offense this season per EPA/Play , which certainly isn't problematic. But last year, the offense checked in at No. 3 per the same metric, so a six-spot slide is apparently enough for Campbell to demand change. Detroit also ranked fourth in points scored and fifth in yards gained, in addition to third in yards per play.
Campbell said about his team's next step to hire a replacement for Morton, "I mean, I'm open to anything. I don't know exactly where I'm at with that yet. I mean, I guess one of the good things if I did do that, you don't have to worry about somebody else leaving. You don't have to worry about your playcaller leaving."
Advertisement
"So, that would be one of the perks of it. But listen, I'm going to think through all of that, and I think I really want to do what I feel is best for the team — and that included. If I believe that's what's best for us and I feel good about it, then I will. If I just feel like, 'Eh,' then I won't do it. I won't do it."
A Detroit Lions fan holds up a sign backing head coach Dan Campbell during second-half action midway through Jan. 7, 2024, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan, as the Lions faced the Minnesota Vikings. The display reflected the home crowd's enthusiasm during a tense divisional matchup late in the season. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek–USA TODAY Sports.
The Lions will enjoy a last-place schedule next year, taking on the New York Giants , Arizona Cardinals , and Tennessee Titans instead of the Washington Commanders , San Francisco 49ers , and Indianapolis Colts .
Instead, the Vikings will play the Commanders, 49ers, and Colts due to their third-place finish in the NFC North.
