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The NFL coaching carousel is always a hot topic, with speculation and rumors swirling about which assistant coach will step up to take on a head coaching role next. One name that’s increasingly popping up in those conversations is Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator. After helping guide the Lions to one of the most potent offenses in the NFL, many are beginning to wonder whether Johnson will take the leap into a head coaching job sooner rather than later.
In this article, we’ll dive into the factors making Ben Johnson one of the hottest coaching candidates in the league, examine the reasons why he’s so highly regarded, and look at potential landing spots for him should he decide to leave Detroit.
Ben Johnson’s journey with the Detroit Lions has been nothing short of remarkable. Joining the team in 2019 as a tight ends coach, Johnson’s impact on the organization didn’t immediately register. However, when he became the offensive coordinator in 2022, the Lions’ offense took off, becoming one of the top scoring units in the league.
Under Johnson’s tutelage, quarterback Jared Goff has experienced a career resurgence. Goff’s performance, including his impressive completion percentage and the fact that he’s thrown more touchdowns than incompletions in recent games, speaks volumes about the effectiveness of Johnson’s scheme. The offensive line, often regarded as the best in the NFL, has allowed Goff to thrive, while dual-threat running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have bolstered the ground game.
It’s not just about the offense, though. The Lions’ defense has made major strides, becoming a more disruptive force capable of creating turnovers and controlling the line of scrimmage. The team’s collective approach — a balanced offense, an opportunistic defense, and disciplined special teams — has made Detroit one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL.
While having top-tier talent is important, it’s the strategic decisions that elevate a team from good to great. Ben Johnson’s play-calling ability, his adaptability, and his understanding of what it takes to win in critical moments are qualities that make him stand out from the pack. The ability to make adjustments on the fly, to know when to push the envelope with an aggressive play, and when to lean on the running game or defense, are the hallmarks of great coaching.
As the NFL playoffs approach, teams are going to need head coaches who can excel under pressure, and Johnson has already demonstrated a knack for navigating high-stakes situations. His influence on Detroit’s offensive turnaround isn’t just a reflection of X’s and O’s, but also his leadership ability and the trust he’s built with his players.
It’s no surprise that Ben Johnson’s name has already been floated as a potential head coaching candidate. Last season, after the Lions’ offensive resurgence, Johnson was mentioned as a candidate for several high-profile head coaching openings. However, to the surprise of many, he opted to stay with Detroit for another season.
Why? According to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Johnson is looking for the right opportunity — one that fits both his vision and his career goals. Unlike some young coaches who might jump at any head coaching vacancy, Johnson is taking a measured approach to his future. As Schefter mentioned, just because there are multiple head coaching opportunities, it doesn’t mean Johnson will be interviewing with every team. His next job will be a highly selective decision. If he does decide to leave Detroit, he’s likely to only entertain positions where he feels he can thrive and build a championship-contending team.
This is a wise strategy, especially for a young coach like Johnson. If he accepts a position that isn’t the right fit, it could damage his career prospects. Johnson’s poise in handling this process further underscores why he is considered an elite coaching prospect.
Should Ben Johnson decide to leave Detroit, the next step in his career will be critical. He’s not just looking for any job — he’s seeking an organization that aligns with his vision and offers the right conditions to succeed. Let’s explore a few teams that could be a fit for Ben Johnson.
Despite being in the same division as Detroit, the Chicago Bears could be an intriguing landing spot for Ben Johnson. The Bears have a solid defense, but they are still in need of a long-term solution at quarterback. With Caleb Williams likely entering the draft in 2024, the Bears could be in a prime position to pair him with an offensive mind like Johnson.
However, the division rivalry factor makes this an awkward situation. Johnson would have to weigh the pros and cons of taking a job that would pit him against his former team twice a season. Still, if he believes in his ability to develop a young quarterback like Williams, this could be a tempting opportunity.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the most complete teams in the NFL, but there are whispers that the team could part ways with current head coach Nick Sirianni if things go south in the postseason. Should that happen, Ben Johnson would be an ideal candidate to take over. The Eagles have star power across the roster, from Jalen Hurts to A.J. Brown, to a defense that includes names like Darius Slay and Jalen Carter.
A move to Philadelphia would allow Johnson to step into a ready-made situation with high expectations. The Eagles’ front office has shown a commitment to winning, and Johnson could help elevate their offense to new heights with his innovative play-calling and ability to get the best out of his players.
Another potential fit for Ben Johnson is the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals boast one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Joe Burrow, and they have an established offense with playmakers like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, the team has struggled to start seasons off strong, which could put head coach Zac Taylor’s job in jeopardy.
If the Bengals decide to move on from Taylor, Ben Johnson could be the perfect replacement. His ability to develop quarterbacks and his understanding of what it takes to compete in high-stakes games would make him a solid fit in Cincinnati. Pairing him with Burrow could be an exciting offensive partnership, leading the Bengals back to the Super Bowl conversation.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a talented roster, but they are currently in a rebuilding phase following Tom Brady’s retirement. If the team decides to part ways with head coach Todd Bowles after a potential missed playoff berth, Ben Johnson could be an intriguing candidate. The Buccaneers have young talent on offense, including Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, as well as a defense that has shown flashes of excellence.
Although the Bucs aren’t quite a Super Bowl contender right now, Johnson could find success in helping them develop into one, especially with a potential long-term solution at quarterback.
As we’ve seen, Ben Johnson is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the NFL. Whether it’s the offensive explosion in Detroit or his calm, measured approach to career decisions, Johnson is positioning himself for a successful future. While he may remain in Detroit for the foreseeable future, it’s clear that the NFL is taking notice of his abilities, and the day when he becomes a head coach seems inevitable.
If Johnson does decide to move on from the Lions, expect a highly selective search on his part. Whether he ends up in Chicago, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, or Tampa Bay, his next job will be one where he feels he can continue to thrive and lead a team to championship glory.
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