DETROIT – After departing from the Detroit Lions as their offensive coordinator in the NFL 2025 offseason, Ben Johnson has been quite vocal about his new role as head coach of the divisional rival Chicago Bears.
During the NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson, who has previously collaborated with Lions quarterback Jared Goff, spoke enthusiastically about the promise he perceives in second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.
During the conversation about Williams’ playmaking skills, Johnson made a dig at Goff on Tuesday (Feb. 26).
Outside of structure, the unscheduled, the innovation, that’s what is most prominent because it appears to reflect the current direction of this league.
Even though you aim for a straightforward progression, one to two to three, the variety is overwhelming as the pass rush advances, and having an athlete like Caleb who can extend the play and possibly uncover an explosive option downfield is what excites me a bit.
I feel thrilled when I think about it since I haven’t truly experienced that while I’ve been in the league. I have been in that position and gone through it, and it’s disheartening when you’re witnessing that unfold against your defense.
As soon as the news began to spread, Lions players Amik Robertson and Kerby Joseph turned to X to react to the understated jab at Goff.
I hope you understand… https://t.co/KkbyJGdYj5
— Amik Robertson (@_YoungTruth7) February 26, 2025
Supporters and commentators claimed Johnson’s remark was a stretch, and he did not disparage his previous quarterback.
As the saying goes, “If a little is good, then more must be better,” Johnson made another not-so-subtle jab at Goff during an NFL combine interview.
In a conversation with Pro Football Talk, Johnson remarked that Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell threw a better pass than Goff during one of the numerous trick plays the offense executed last season.
Johnson stated, “The highlight was he consistently threw a perfect pass during every practice.” “We likely took that for a duration of three weeks.” I’m saying it was a dime. It was superior to certain other individuals, ‘Jared Goff.’ It was quite excellent to throw while moving. “He’s an oddball.”
Lions supporters are aware of Sewell’s remarkable talent, having participated in numerous trick plays throughout the years, including the one executed on Thanksgiving versus the Bears.
However, it’s remarkable to casually mention Goff’s name in your interviews while you should be concentrating on your new team.
Fans of the Lions cheered for Johnson as he departed to chase his dream of becoming a head coach in the division alongside the Bears.
Aside from wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who expressed happiness for Johnson and his family, his message would change during the game.
“I told him, ‘Twice a year, Ben, we’re going to mess you up,’” St. Brown stated. “He says, ‘I’m going to mess you up.’”
Johnson became part of the Lions in 2019 with current Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and was promoted to the franchise’s offensive coordinator in 2022 under head coach Dan Campbell.
Dan Campbell.
Since 2022, Johnson has led the Lions’ offense to thrive in the National Football League. They have consistently been placed within the top five offenses over the last three seasons, ranking No. 1 in 2024.
Goff is a tall quarterback who doesn’t use his legs to extend plays, yet you can commend your new quarterback one day and then recognize his teammate, an offensive lineman, whether it was intended as a joke or not.
The era of quarterbacks remaining solely in the pocket has passed, and teams are looking for game-changers.
Quarterbacks with the running ability of Williams are challenging for defenses to plan against.
Nonetheless, at times, it’s beneficial to have a quarterback like Goff, Tom Brady, or Peyton Manning, capable of delivering the ball accurately on a three-step or five-step drop to effectively accomplish the task.
In Johnson’s final season with the Lions, Goff passed for 4,629 yards, achieving 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 390 of 539 attempts for a completion rate of 72.4% throughout the 2024 season.
Goff guided the Lions to their most successful season ever, finishing 15-2, clinching the NFC North title consecutively, and securing a first-round bye.
These figures propelled Goff to his fourth Pro Bowl (2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024), where he triumphed in the NFC’s Precision Passing contest.
Detroit city and the Lions supporters were already feeling aggrieved because the season concluded unexpectedly.
Johnson’s exit and his harsh comments regarding the franchise quarterback will provide the Lions and Bears with additional motivation in the upcoming season, as they face off twice annually.