By Sunday 
Lions QB Reflects on Losing His OC to a Division Rival
For the past three seasons, Jared Goff and Ben Johnson have formed one of the NFL’s most successful quarterback-coordinator duos. Together, they helped transform the Detroit Lions’ offense into a powerhouse, culminating in a deep playoff run.
But now, Goff faces a new challenge—doing it without Johnson.
The Lions’ offensive coordinator has moved on to a head coaching role with the Chicago Bears, a team Detroit will face twice a year. While Goff has nothing but praise for Johnson, he couldn’t help but express his disappointment about the move—especially given the new rivalry it creates.
A Tough Goodbye for Goff
Speaking at the Pro Bowl Games, Goff didn’t hold back on his admiration for Johnson.
“He’s a hell of a coach,” Goff told SiriusXM NFL Radio. “He’s a guy that’s made a ton of difference in my career. I’m obviously a big fan of his.”
However, there’s one part of Johnson’s move that stings.
“I was joking with him—I wish he didn’t have to be in our division, so I didn’t have to try to beat him twice a year.”
Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff flourished, making two Pro Bowls in the last three seasons and leading Detroit to a 5-1 record against the Bears. But now, Johnson will be calling plays for a team that has long struggled to find offensive consistency.
Lions Must Adjust Without Johnson
While losing Johnson is a blow, Goff remains optimistic about the future. The Lions have turned to John Morton as their new offensive coordinator, someone Goff already has some familiarity with.
“We were together in 2022,” Goff said. “He was an assistant on our staff. Has done it before, has been a coordinator before, has a lot of experience in our league. He’s been around a lot of great coaches. I’m excited to work with him and see where we can go.”
Morton, who previously served as an OC with the New York Jets, will now be tasked with keeping Detroit’s offense rolling. With Goff coming off a career-best 72.4% completion rate and 37 touchdowns in 2024, expectations will be high.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Lions fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations last season, but the core of their offense remains intact. The real question is whether Goff can maintain his elite level of play without the coach who helped him reach it.
Facing Johnson twice a year will only add to the drama. Goff is rooting for his former coach—just not too much.
“He’s going to do a great job,” Goff admitted. “Hopefully not too good, though, with us being in the division together still.”
As Detroit prepares for a new era without Johnson, one thing is certain: the rivalry between the Lions and Bears just got a lot more interesting.