Ben Johnson gained recognition for his innovative coaching style during his time with the Detroit Lions, which began in 2019. As offensive coordinator under head coach Dan Campbell since 2022, Johnson played a vital role in elevating the team’s offense, leading them to the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC championship game and several critical playoff victories. After six years with the Lions, Johnson accepted a head coaching position with the Chicago Bears starting in 2025, signaling a major change for the franchise.
Despite fans feeling the sting of his departure, veteran running back David Montgomery expressed confidence in the team‘s future during a recent discussion on The Pivot Podcast with Ryan Clark and panelists, stating the offense remains strong.
David Montgomery’s perspective on the coaching change
Montgomery acknowledged that losing a key member of the coaching staff like Johnson naturally brings adjustments, but insisted that these changes would be temporary. He praised Johnson for transforming the Lions’ offense to a new level and now looks forward to seeing offensive coordinator John Morton step into the role.
“I think naturally just having a different person, you are going to have like these small minute things change but Johnny Mo is completely different from Ben,” Montgomery said to The Pivot Podcast panelists on Wednesday. [Timestamp – 3:30]
“You know I love Ben. Ben was incredible. He’s going to do great things in Chicago. But I think Johnny Mo’s damn good too. So I’m kind of excited to see how it all will shake out. But if it shakes out the way that I think, it’ll be good,” he added.
John Morton’s readiness to lead the Lions offense in 2025
At 55 years old, John Morton faces the challenge of filling Johnson’s influential role as offensive coordinator after the Lions’ offense soared to become the top-scoring unit in the NFC playoffs during the 2024 season. Quarterback Jared Goff has expressed confidence in Morton’s ability to manage the transition smoothly, emphasizing that the offense has maintained consistency despite new additions.
“Some of the stuff’s new, but I don’t think it’s any bit abnormal from every other team adding new stuff. That’s kind of what we’re doing, and it’s been a good process,” Goff said, per ESPN.
With the 2025 season approaching, the Lions aim to build on their recent success, targeting a Super Bowl appearance and a winning record surpassing 15 games. The collaboration of Jared Goff, John Morton, and the coaching staff will play a crucial role in whether the team can achieve those lofty goals.