Jared Goff offers first thoughts on Ben Johnson departure and John Morton hire

At the Pro Bowl Games, Lions quarterback Jared Goff gave his first public thoughts on the team's offensive coordintor change.

Mike Ehrmann/GettyImages

The Detroit Lions will have a lot of turnover on their coaching staff, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. Among those changes, none is more notable than the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and John Morton being hired to replace him.

Many Lions players won't be able to comment on the coaching staff changes until offseason work starts. But quarterback Jared Goff was among several Lions players at the Pro Bowl Games in Orlando this weekend, and he was offensive MVP of Sunday's flag football game.

The event also provided an opportunity for Goff to be asked publicly for the first time about the Lions' change at offensive coordinator.

Related: 3 players who could really thrive with John Morton as offensive coordinator

Jared Goff gives his first thoughts on Lions' offensive coordinator change

Johnson was instrumental in reviving Goff's career over the last few seasons, and the two had a very close relationship. Appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio with hosts Amber Theoharis and Kirk Morrison, Goff was asked what the Bears are getting in Johnson as a head coach.

"He’s a hell of a coach. He’s a guy that’s made a ton of difference in my career,” Goff said. “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, no, he’s going to do a great job. Hopefully, not too good, though, with us being in the division together. But, I’ll always be a fan of his, and we’ll always have a good relationship.”

Goff was then of course asked about Morton, with easy references to Morton being on the Lions' staff in 2022 and Morton's history as an assistant under some notable head coaches.

"We were together in 2022, he was an assistant on our staff, and has done it before,” Goff said. “He’s been a coordinator before, has a lot of experience in our league, been around a lot of great coaches. I’m excited to work with him and see where we can go.”

As outside candidates to replace Johnson went, Morton surfaced as among the most ideal and the move to hire him progressed very quickly. He should have no trouble cultivating a relationship with Goff like Johnson did.

Schedule