By Blessing 
For the past four seasons, head coach Dan Campbell has watched quarterback Jared Goff develop into one of the NFL’s most reliable signal-callers. Since arriving in Detroit via trade before the 2021 season, Goff has consistently put up impressive numbers—throwing for over 4,400 yards in each of the last three seasons while racking up 96 total touchdowns and earning two Pro Bowl nods (2022, 2024).
But beyond the stats, Goff has become the unquestioned leader of the Lions’ high-powered offense. His relentless drive to improve stands out the most to Campbell as the veteran quarterback gears up for his 10th NFL season and fifth year in Detroit.
According to Campbell, the next big step for Goff is to take even greater control of the offense.
“He continues to grow every year,” Campbell said. “I’d say the next step for him, and he knows this, like last year he came to us and everything we wanted him to do in the offense he did and then he began to bring stuff to us as to, ‘Hey man, I can see this look. Let me get to this play. I know I have these options in the bag but let me get to this as well.’”
This year, Goff will be working with a new offensive coordinator, John Morton. However, Morton isn’t entirely new to Detroit—he previously served as the team’s passing game coordinator in 2022, which means he’s already familiar with Goff and the offensive weapons at his disposal.
The connection between Goff and Morton goes beyond just familiarity. They worked closely together in the quarterback room during Morton’s previous stint with the team, and that relationship was a key factor in Campbell’s decision to bring him back as offensive coordinator. At the NFL Combine in February, Campbell emphasized how important continuity was in making that hire.
Looking ahead, Campbell wants to see Goff continue to take charge, especially when it comes to game planning and making adjustments at the line of scrimmage.
“I would anticipate that to take another step up,” Campbell said.
With six returning Pro Bowlers, Detroit’s offense is already a force to be reckoned with. Last season, they led the league in scoring (33.2 points per game), touchdowns (70), and point differential (+222). Now, as Goff embraces even more responsibility, the Lions could be poised to reach new heights.