Jared Goff reached new milestones last season with the Detroit Lions, delivering exactly what was expected and contributing his own insights. Head coach Dan Campbell now wants him to take his leadership even further.
As Goff prepares for his fifth season as Detroit’s starting quarterback, he comes off a career-best performance. He completed 72.4% of his passes, amassing 4,629 yards along with a personal-best 37 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. His efforts led the Lions to consecutive division championships and a franchise-record 15 wins, earning him a fifth-place finish in the MVP race.
Now firmly established as the face of the franchise and with a new offensive coordinator stepping in, Campbell believes Goff will have even more control over the offense.
“He improves every year,” Campbell said. “The next step for him—something he already understands—is to build on last season. He embraced everything we asked him to do and then started bringing his own input to the table.
“He would come to us and say, ‘Hey, I see this defensive look, and I think we should adjust. I know I have certain options, but I believe we can expand on them.’ That’s the kind of growth we’re seeing, and I expect him to elevate that even more.”
Goff’s evolution accelerated under former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who included him in game-planning discussions. His involvement in shaping the offense earned him a four-year contract extension worth up to $212 million, securing his place in Detroit through 2028 as he aims to lead the team to a championship.
Incoming offensive coordinator John Morton is no stranger to Goff’s development. He spent the 2022 season working with the Lions, particularly focusing on the passing game and establishing a strong connection with the veteran quarterback.
Last year, Morton worked under Sean Payton with the Denver Broncos as their passing game coordinator, helping maximize rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s potential and guiding the team back to the postseason.
Now, returning to Detroit, Morton is confident in his ability to blend his play-calling experience with his familiarity with the Lions’ staff and quarterback to maintain one of the league’s most potent offenses.
“I’ve watched his progression from when he first arrived in Detroit to where he is now,” Morton said during the scouting combine. “Now, as a coaching staff, we’re reviewing film and discussing ways to make him even better.
“I already know the play concepts, but it’s about refining techniques and all the details that come with them. In 2022, I worked closely with Jared and (quarterbacks coach Mark) Brunell—running drills, focusing on mechanics, and preparing for in-game situations like third downs and red-zone plays. That experience will be valuable as we continue to build on his strengths.”
