By Mummy Grace 
Jared Goff was once seen as just a temporary fix for the rebuilding Detroit Lions, but he’s completely turned things around, making the Pro Bowl in two of the last three seasons. A big part of that success? Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who’s now heading to Chicago as the Bears’ new head coach.
That means Goff will now have to face his former OC twice a year, and he’s got mixed feelings about it.
“He’s a hell of a coach,” Goff said at the Pro Bowl Games. “He’s made a huge difference in my career. I was joking with him—I wish he didn’t have to be in our division so I wouldn’t have to try and beat him twice a year.”
Under Johnson, Goff led the Lions to five wins in six games against the Bears. He’s hoping that trend continues.
“He’s going to do a great job,” Goff added. “Hopefully not too good since we’re still in the same division. But I’ll always be a fan of his.”
Over the last three seasons with Johnson, Goff has been on fire—completing 68.1% of his passes for 13,642 yards, 96 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions. He also earned two Pro Bowl nods and had a career-best 2024 season, throwing 37 touchdowns with a 72.4% completion rate.
Now, with Johnson gone, Goff will work under new offensive coordinator John Morton. He’s already familiar with Morton, who was on the Lions’ staff in 2022, and feels good about what’s ahead.
“He’s been a coordinator before, has a ton of experience, and has worked with some great coaches,” Goff said. “I’m excited to see where we can go.”
The Lions fell short of their Super Bowl dreams in 2024, but they’re gearing up for another run—this time without Johnson. Whether Goff can keep up his Pro Bowl-level play under Morton will be one of the biggest questions for the Lions in 2025.