Lions' Ben Johnson: A Key Figure in NFL Coaching Carousel
As the NFL regular season draws to a close, teams that fell short of postseason dreams are experiencing significant shifts in leadership. The Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, has become a prominent name in the coaching circuit, potentially finding himself at the heart of the NFL’s whirlwind of change.
Ben Johnson's Rise and Current Role
Under Johnson's strategic guidance, the Detroit Lions have thrived offensively, claiming the No. 1 seed with an impressive 15-2 record. Quarterback Jared Goff has shone under Johnson's tutelage, boasting a 72.4% completion rate. The Lions' offense ranks second in yards per pass attempt and passing yards, and third in passing touchdowns. Their rushing attack also stands tall, ranking in the top ten across various metrics, a testament to Johnson's comprehensive offensive strategy.
Johnson's success in Detroit has not gone unnoticed, with whispers of head coaching possibilities echoing through the league. Teams such as the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are on the hunt for new head coaches, while the New York Jets are navigating the aftermath of dismissing their head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas mid-season.
The Jets' Struggle
This season, the Jets faced a tumultuous journey, ending with a 5-12 record. Jeff Ulbrich stepped in as interim head coach following the departures. Despite their underwhelming performance, the team holds the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a beacon of hope for rebuilding.
The Jets are casting a wide net in their search for new leadership, reportedly considering candidates such as Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator. Meanwhile, they have yet to formally request an interview with Ben Johnson, who remains selective about potential opportunities.
Johnson's Considerations and Future Prospects
Johnson is said to be particularly discerning when it comes to head coaching prospects. "Ben Johnson has been clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role," recent reports note. His interest hinges significantly on the quarterback situation, as insiders suggest, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid."
Johnson's current standing is secure and lucrative, reportedly earning around $5 million. This financial security perhaps affords him the luxury of patience, allowing him to wait for the right fit. The prospect of leading a franchise like the Jets could be enticing, especially given their draft position, but it seems Johnson is exercising thoughtful deliberation, conscious of the pivotal nature of a quarterback in shaping a team’s success.
Broader Coaching Opportunities
Across the league, teams are reshaping their leadership. The Bears, obtaining attention post-Thanksgiving with their release of Matt Eberflus, join the ranks of Jacksonville, which released Doug Pederson—a surprising move given his prior success. Similarly, the New England Patriots parted ways with Jerod Mayo. Each franchise, with its own unique set of challenges and potentials, can offer enticing opportunities for ambitious coordinators like Johnson.
The Lions' current season adds a layer of complexity to Johnson's decision. With a team that has proven itself a dominant force in the league under his strategic blueprint, Johnson's commitment to Detroit might outweigh the lure of a new challenge, unless it aligns with his professional vision and the right situational context.
Conclusion
As the NFL offseason approaches, the coaching carousel spins with intensified vigor. Ben Johnson, with his impressive track record and strategic acumen, stands as a figure of intrigue and anticipation. While the Detroit Lions' success keeps him in a powerful position, the lure of leading a franchise could entice. For now, Johnson remains a decisive chooser in a market where demand certainly outstrips the supply of such coaching talent.