Lions GM Hypes 'Prime' Jared Goff Despite Ben Johnson's Exit: 'He Keeps Ascending'

After putting up MVP-caliber numbers in three seasons with Ben Johnson, Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions are facing a new challenge going into 2025 having to replace their offensive coordinator.

Amid questions about how much of an impact Johnson had on the offense, general manager Brad Holmes told reporters on Thursday he believes Goff is still in his "prime" and has shown marked improvement nine years into his career:

"I think the guy's in his prime. He's gotten better and better every year. And when I say prime, I think, like, just entering it. It's because he keeps ascending. I think, like every single year we've been here, the next year, it's been 'Man, he's playing at a high level.' And the levels keep improving. Again, I just have a lot of faith in [head coach] Dan [Campbell], and I know that he'll make sure that Jared's going to be in a good position."

Johnson, who has been with the Lions for the past three seasons, was hired by the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.

Goff posted three of his four highest single-season QBR totals since the 2022 season. His 68.4 QBR in 2024 was the best of his career and ranked sixth in the NFL.

The main concerns for Goff is that he hasn't been particularly good when he isn't working with someone regarded as one of the best offensive coaches in the league. Johnson has been arguably the most-revered offensive coordinator in the NFL during his time in Detroit.

Before coming to the Lions, Goff had Sean McVay as his head coach with the Los Angeles Rams for four seasons. The two years without either McVay or Johnson have been the worst of Goff's career.

As a rookie in 2016 with Jeff Fisher as head coach of the Rams, Goff threw for 1,089 yards with five touchdowns, seven interceptions and lost all seven of his starts.

During the 2021 season with Anthony Lynn as Lions offensive coordinator, Goff finished with 3,245 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions and went 3-10-1 in 14 starts.

There is additional context for both of those seasons that don't make Goff look as bad. The Rams' leading receivers in 2016 were Kenny Britt and Brian Quick. The 2021 season was the first year of Detroit's rebuild with Holmes and Dan Campbell running things.

The Lions haven't given any indications about who will take Johnson's spot as offensive coordinator, but Campbell said he will seek "a lot" of input from Goff.

Goff finished this season with 4,629 yards, 37 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and a 72.4 completion percentage.