Broncos pass game coordinator John Morton, who helped Bo Nix develop into a top rookie quarterback, is returning to Detroit.

Morton was hired Tuesday as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Morton, who was a senior offensive assistant for Detroit in 2022, replaces Ben Johnson, who last week was named Chicago’s head coach.

Morton, 55, spent the past two seasons with the Broncos under head coach Sean Payton. He worked with Russell Wilson as the starting quarterback in 2023 and last season played a role in Nix, the No. 12 pick out of Oregon, having a banner rookie campaign.

A source had told The Denver Gazette on Sunday it was trending toward Morton returning to Detroit. He becomes reunited with head coach Dan Campbell, who has been with the Lions since 2021.

Morton is the second offensive assistant in recent days to leave Denver to become an offensive coordinator. The Bears hired tight ends coach Declan Doyle on Sunday to serve under Johnson.