The Detroit Lions have experienced a bunch of changes this offseason after putting up an impressive 15-2 record in 2024. The Lions had one of the best coaching staffs in the league, which led to multiple coaches getting poached.
Arguably the biggest departure was offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
The Lions decided to replace Johnson with John Morton and head coach Dan Campbell spoke about the changes on the team, which included asking quarterback Jared Goff for his input.
Dan Campbell Reveals Jared Goff's Impact on Coaching Hire
Campbell revealed that Goff's opinion was taken into account regarding the hiring of Morton. Campbell added that Goff knows what he does best and wants the offense catered to that.
Campbell said, "Everything we wanted him to do in the offense (last season), 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've got these options in the bag. But let me get to this, as well.' Right? Those are the things where (it's like), 'OK, here we go, man. That's beginning to show."
While it is cool to see that Goff had input on the hiring of Morton, this added more pressure on his plate for the 2025 season. Goff came to Detroit in 2021 and was on shaky ground after getting swapped for Matthew Stafford. In Johnson's offense, Goff was able to elevate his play.
Why Dan Campbell is confident Lions, with new play-caller, can maintain offensive success https://t.co/tN44v7Tmwx
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) April 6, 2025
Over the last three seasons with Ben Johnson at the helm, Goff has put up some impressive numbers. From 2022-2024, Goff threw for 13,642 yards, 96 passing scores, and 31 interceptions.
In 2024, he posted career-highs in passing yards (4,629) and passing touchdowns (37). These numbers helped him have a say in who the Lions brought in, which only added more pressure to his plate.
With Johnson no longer in the fold, the Lions will lean on Goff more regarding game-planning and how to construct the offense. Based on Campbell's comments, it sounds like Goff's voice matters in the Lions building. They want the offense to be catered to his strengths and he clearly believes that Morton can help with that.
The last time Morton was an offensive coordinator was in 2017 with the New York Jets but hasn't held that role since. His ideology caught the attention of Goff, which led to him landing the job.
Whether or not that is the right decision remains to be seen but that was the approach the Lions wanted to take. Goff is on the books for $32.6 million in 2025 but that number balloons to $69.6 million in 2026 and $54.6 million in 2027. If the Lions' offense takes a step back in 2025 and Goff's play dips, Detroit could look to move on from Goff.
The Lions offense has 10 of the 11 starters from 2024 returning. It will be the same cast and it's up to Goff to get the most out of this group.