The Detroit Lions underwent several changes this offseason after delivering a stellar 15-2 campaign in 2024. With one of the league’s top coaching staffs, their success led to several coaches being hired away.

Perhaps the most significant loss was offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who departed to take over as head coach of the Chicago Bears.

To fill Johnson’s role, the Lions hired John Morton. Head coach Dan Campbell discussed the team’s adjustments and mentioned that quarterback Jared Goff was involved in the process.

Campbell shared that Goff’s feedback played a part in Morton’s hiring. He explained that Goff understands his strengths and wants the offensive scheme tailored around them.

Campbell stated, “Everything we asked of him in last season’s offense, he delivered. Then he began suggesting things, like, ‘Hey, I recognize this look. Let me switch to this play. I know my options, but I see this opportunity.’ That’s the moment where it’s like, ‘Alright, he’s really getting it.’”

While Goff being consulted is a sign of trust, it also increases the expectations for him heading into the 2025 season. After being traded for Matthew Stafford in 2021, Goff’s future looked uncertain. But he thrived under Johnson’s leadership.

With Johnson guiding the offense, Goff produced strong numbers over three seasons. Between 2022 and 2024, he racked up 13,642 passing yards, 96 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions.

In 2024 alone, he achieved personal bests with 4,629 yards and 37 touchdown passes. His performance earned him a voice in the team’s coaching decisions, but it also comes with added responsibility.

Now that Johnson is gone, the Lions will count on Goff even more in designing game plans and shaping the offense. According to Campbell, Goff’s perspective is highly valued within the organization. They want to build an attack that plays to his strengths, and he sees Morton as the right fit.

Morton last served as an offensive coordinator in 2017 with the New York Jets and hasn’t held that title since. His vision, however, appealed to Goff, helping him secure the job.

Only time will tell if Morton is the right pick, but this is the direction Detroit chose. Goff is set to make $32.6 million in 2025, but his cap hit climbs to $69.6 million in 2026 and $54.6 million in 2027. If Goff regresses and the offense struggles, the Lions might look elsewhere.

Ten of eleven offensive starters from 2024 are returning. With most of the pieces in place, it’s up to Goff to lead this group to success.