Lions OC has big plans for QB Jared Goff in 2025

If the Lions finally get over their Super Bowl hump in 2025, it will be because of quarterback Jared Goff.

On Monday, offensive coordinator John Morton, hired to replace Bears head coach Ben Johnson on Jan. 30, addressed his vision for Detroit's offense with Fox 2 Detroit.

Goff has a substantial role.

When discussing how his history with Goff will benefit the Lions, he told Fox 2's Dan Miller, "I think it's big because it all starts with the quarterback." (h/t NFL.com)

Morton was hired as a Lions senior offensive assistant in 2022 before spending the past two seasons as Broncos pass game coordinator.

As NFL.com's Kevin Patra noted, Morton recalled when he served as Saints passing game coordinator and offensive assistant in 2006 how head coach Sean Payton centered the offense around likely 2026 first-ballot Hall of Famer Drew Brees, even keeping terminology from his favorite plays when he was quarterback for the Chargers.

"Just kind of knowing [Goff] ... When I was here, I was in the quarterback room, so I have a feel of what he likes, what he doesn't," Morton added.

"That's important as a play-caller," said Morton.

Goff had his best season in 2024, completing a career-high 72.4 percent of his pass attempts. He threw for 4,629 yards and 37 touchdowns and set the franchise record for passer rating by a starting quarterback (111.8).

However, he struggled in the playoffs, raising concerns again about his ability to win a Super Bowl.

Goff was 23-of-40 (57.5 percent) for 313 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in Detroit's stunning 45-31 home loss to the Commanders in the NFC divisional round.

It recalled Goff's difficulties in the postseason with the Rams, when he only completed 57.4 percent of his pass attempts in five games. In the Rams' 13-3 Super Bowl LIII loss to the Patriots, Goff was 19-of-38 for 229 yards and an interception. 

Two years later, the Rams traded Goff to the Lions for quarterback Matthew Stafford, who led Los Angeles to a Super Bowl win the following season.

Goff has been a central figure in Detroit's turnaround from a league-wide embarrassment to a model franchise. But until he brings a Lombardi Trophy to the Motor City, questions will persist about Goff's ability to carry the team in a big game.

That won't stop the Lions from giving him another crack in 2025. Morton's success as a coordinator will depend on what Goff does next.