The Detroit Lions could be losing one of their key staff members this off-season, Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson has been a hot name on the coaching market since last year, he was expected to take a number of the head coaching vacancies but opted to return to Detroit for another year. That’s turned out to be a great thing for the Lions’ offense as they have been one of the most dominant units in all of football.
Quarterback Jared Goff has thrived under Ben Johnson as his OC, putting up career numbers and being included in the MVP conversation. The two-headed monster of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs has taken off and become one of the best running back duos in recent memory.
Detroit Lions, Jared Goff, NFL
Nov 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) warms up before the game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
After week 14, the Detroit Lions sit atop of the NFC with a 12-1 record. Coming off a 34-31 Thursday Night Football victory over the Green Bay Packers, Detroit has clinched a playoff spot. But they have their sights set much higher than that, with the top seed in the NFC well within reach coach Ben Johnson has his offense primed for a Super Bowl run.
The Importance of the Right Fit
Ben Johnson Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson calls a play against Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a preseason game at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
While Ben Johnson is surely a top candidate for many teams looking to make a head coaching change in 2025, he is going to be a little pickier on where he takes his talents. When Johnson was asked about what he looks for in a potential landing spot he said this, “Something that really resonates with me is, OK, eight openings this past year. What would you set the over-under in three years, how many still have jobs?” Johnson continued, “I’d say there’s a good chance five of them are out of jobs in three years. And so, when I look at it from that perspective, if I get the opportunity to go down that road, it’s about how do I get to that second contract, how do I set myself up that if the stars need to align?”
Ben Johnson would stress how he is happy where he is and won’t jump at any open position, “I’m not going to do it just to do it. I love what I’m doing right now. Love it. Love it. I love where I’m at. My family loves where we’re at. Love the people that we’re doing it with, so I’m not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it’s going to unfold.”
Considering Johnson declined to do an in-person interview with the Carolina Panthers last season, a position he was the front runner favorite for should tell us he means what he says. It’s going to take the perfect fit to pry him away from the Head Coach Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions.
Ben Johnson’s Top Criteria
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Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson shakes hands with guard Kayode Awosika during warmups before the NFC divisional playoff game vs. the Buccaneers at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.
The talented Lions play caller has listed two things at the top of his criteria when it comes to a head coaching job. “Organizational alignment and recognition from a team of its mistakes with a willingness to fix them.” Johnson has also stated this year he will only take interviews for jobs he has a “genuine interest” in as he isn’t looking for just a job.
A potential landing spot for Johnson could be fellow NFC North rival the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Caleb Williams would greatly benefit from an offensive mind like Johnson to mentor him in his second season and beyond. The Bears have a solid defense in place, they have offensive weapons and a potential franchise quarterback. This could be enticing enough to lure the Lions play caller there to take over as head coach next year.
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Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Credit: Lions Wire
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