As the NFL coaching carousel spins once again, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, finds himself in the spotlight of potential head coaching opportunities. Although several teams are eager to fill their vacant positions, Johnson is taking a cautious approach, choosing to be highly selective about which roles he considers. His decision-making process is not just about ascending in the coaching hierarchy; it's significantly influenced by one pivotal factor: the quarterback situation of potential teams.
Johnson's rise to prominence isn't surprising, given his successful tenure in Detroit. Under his guidance, the Lions showcased remarkable offensive prowess, securing the No. 1 seed with a stellar 15-2 record. Quarterback Jared Goff flourished in Johnson's system, achieving an impressive 72.4% completion rate. The Lions excelled not just in the passing game, ranking second in yards per pass attempt and passing yards and third in passing touchdowns, but also in their rushing attack, which placed them in the top ten across various metrics.
The Coaching Hunt Across the NFL
This past season has been tumultuous for several NFL franchises. The New York Jets, for instance, parted ways with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas amidst a tough 5-12 season. With Jeff Ulbrich stepping in as interim head coach, the Jets are now diligently seeking a new leader to guide the team. They currently hold the seventh overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, adding another layer of intrigue for a future head coach looking to mold the team.
Despite speculation, the Jets have yet to formally request an interview with Ben Johnson. An insider noted that Johnson "would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid," underlining the importance he places on having a strong leader at the helm of the offense. This preference might explain why Johnson hasn't been hasty to engage with every franchise showing interest in filling head coaching roles. "Ben Johnson has been clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role," according to recent reports.
Johnson's Potential Suitors
While the Jets are one of the teams in dire need of a new head coach, they are not alone. The Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are also in the market. The Bears decided to release Matt Eberflus after Thanksgiving, the Jaguars parted ways with Doug Pederson, and the Patriots chose to move on from Jerod Mayo. All these teams present unique challenges and opportunities, which could capture the attention of potential candidates like Johnson.
Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Lions, is also in the running for the Jets' head coaching position. The Jets' decision to consider someone from within the Lions' coaching ranks is a testament to the strength and reputation of Detroit's current coaching staff.
Ben Johnson is currently earning around $5 million, a figure that might easily be surpassed by a lucrative head coaching offer. Yet, it's clear that financial gain is not the only motivator for Johnson. His ability to effectively lead an offense, coupled with his strategic outlook on team dynamics, makes him one of the most intriguing candidates to follow this offseason.
The Path Forward for Johnson and NFL Teams
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Ben Johnson. His strategic selectivity in considering head coaching positions speaks to his understanding of the critical role a quarterback plays in a team's success. With multiple franchises seeking new leadership, the decisions made in the coming weeks could have far-reaching implications on the NFL landscape.
Whether Johnson will find a scenario that suits his criteria remains to be seen. However, his influence on the Lions’ recent achievements will undeniably keep him in the conversation among teams seeking to revitalize their organizations from the ground up. With so many potential opportunities on the horizon, Johnson's next move will be one of the most closely watched decisions of the NFL's offseason. As the league waits with bated breath, teams will continue to assess their options, hoping to find the right fit that aligns with both their immediate needs and long-term aspirations.