Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator takes another ‘playful’ jab at Jared Goff

DETROIT – Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has been very talkative since leaving the organization during the NFL 2025 offseason to become head coach of the divisional rival Chicago Bears.

While at the NFL Scouting Combine, Johnson, who previously worked with Lions quarterback Jared Goff, talked glowingly about the potential he sees with second-year quarterback Caleb Williams.

While discussing Williams' playmaking ability, Johnson took a jab at Goff on Tuesday (Feb. 26).

“Out of structure, the off scheduled, the creation, that’s what stands out the most because that’s really the way that this league’s going right now it seems like.

As much as you want to make it pure progression, one to two to three, there’s just too much variety as the pass rush is coming down, and to have an athlete like Caleb extend the play and potentially find an explosive one down the field, that’s what get’s me going a little bit.

I get excited thinking about that because I haven’t really been around that since I’ve been around in the league. I’ve been on the other side and experienced it and it’s demoralizing when you’re on the other side and you’re watching that happen to your defense."

--> Did former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator take subtle dig at Jared Goff?

Once the news started circulating, Lions stars Amik Robertson and Kerby Joseph, took to X to respond to the subtle dig at Goff.

Fans and pundits said Johnson’s statement was a reach, and he didn’t slight his former quarterback.

Well, as the old saying goes, “If some is good, then more is better,” as Johnson took another not-so-subtle dig at Goff during an interview at the NFL combine.

While talking to Pro Football Talk, Johnson said Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell threw a better football than Goff when the offense was working on one of many trick plays last season.

“The best part of that was he threw a dime every single time in practice,” said Johnson. “We probably took that for three weeks. I mean, it was a dime. It was better than some other people, ‘Jared Goff.’ It was pretty darn good throwing on the move. He’s a freak.”

Lions fans know how freakishly talented Sewell is, as he’s been a part of many trick plays over the years, including the one called on Thanksgiving against the Bears.

But to “playfully” toss around Goff’s name during your interviews when you should be focused on your new team is astonishing.

Lions fans applauded Johnson when he left to pursue his head coaching dream in the division with the Bears.

Well, except for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who said he was happy for Johnson and his family, his message would be different on the field.

“I told him, ‘Two times a year, Ben, we’re gonna f--- you up,’” St. Brown said. “He goes, ‘I’m a f--- you up.‘”

--> What Amon-Ra St. Brown said to Ben Johnson when he left for division-rival Bears

Johnson joined the Lions in 2019 under current Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator coach Matt Patricia and became the franchise’s offensive coordinator in 2022 under head coach Dan Campbell.

Since 2022, Johnson has had the Lions’ offense roaring in the National Football League. They have been ranked among the top five offenses for the past three seasons, including No. 1 in 2024.

Goff is a statuesque quarterback who doesn’t extend plays with his legs, but you don’t have to knock him down to praise your new quarterback one day and then praise his teammate, an offensive lineman, whether it was a joke or not.

The days of quarterbacks standing entirely in the pocket are over, and teams are searching for playmakers.

Quarterbacks who can run like Williams are difficult for defenses to prepare for.

Still, sometimes, it’s always good to have that Goff, Tom Brady, and or Peyton Manning-style quarterback who can get the ball out on a three-step or five-step drop with precision can get the job done as well.

During Johnson’s last season with the Lions, Goff accumulated 4,629 yards passing with 37 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 390-539 with a completion percentage of 72.4% during the 2024 season.

Goff led the Lions to their best season in franchise history, going 15-2, winning the NFC North consecutively and getting a first-round bye.

Those numbers led Goff to his fourth Pro Bowl (2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024), where he won the NFC’s Precision Passing challenge.

Detroit city and the Lions fans already had a chip on their shoulder due to how the season ended abruptly.

Now, Johnson’s departure and his scathing remarks about the franchise quarterback will give the Lions and Bears extra motivation during the upcoming season, as they play each other twice a year.