The start of 2025 has been tough for the Detroit Lions, as they’ve suffered multiple setbacks, from missing the NFL playoffs to losing their exceptional offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson.
After the Lions’ early playoff exit and the coaching changes, quarterback Jared Goff shared a respectful message for Johnson, who took on the Chicago Bears’ head coaching role.
Under Johnson’s guidance, Goff helped the Lions achieve top-five rankings in total yards per game over the past three seasons and had one of his best years yet, with 37 touchdowns and 4,629 passing yards.
The future may not be as smooth for Goff and the Lions’ high-powered offense, but the quarterback had only positive things to say about Johnson as he embarks on his next coaching journey.
“He’s a hell of a coach. He’s a guy that’s made a ton of difference in my career,” Goff said during an interview with SiriusXM at the Pro Bowl.
“I’m obviously a big fan of his. 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. But he’s going to do a great job. Hopefully not too good, though, with us being in the division together still.
But I’ll always be a fan of his and we’ll always have a good relationship.” Goff and the Lions’ Super Bowl hopes this year were dashed in the divisional round after a 45-31 loss in an offensive battle against the Washington Commanders.
After Johnson’s bittersweet departure, the Lions appointed former Denver Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton as their new offensive coordinator, a role Morton previously held.
Looking to an uncertain future for Detroit, Goff will hope to lead the team back next season, even without his reliable offensive coordinator.