Ben Johnson: A Sought-After Talent in the NFL Coaching Carousel
As the NFL's coaching carousel gathers momentum, one name stands out among the potential head coaches—Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Known for his strategic acumen and leadership on the field, Johnson has become a prime candidate for several head coaching positions as teams look to strengthen their future prospects.
A Bright Career with the Lions
Under Johnson’s guidance, the Detroit Lions have achieved remarkable success, securing the No. 1 seed with an impressive 15-2 record. This turnaround is partly due to the outstanding performance of quarterback Jared Goff, who achieved a 72.4% completion rate. The Lions currently rank second in yards per pass attempt and passing yards, and third in passing touchdowns. On the ground, their rushing attack is firmly within the top ten across several metrics, showcasing a balanced offensive prowess.
A Strategic Approach to Career Opportunities
Despite the intense interest from various NFL teams, Johnson has been "clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role," according to recent reports. This strategic selectiveness underscores his intent to find the right fit, rather than just any fit. Notably, Johnson is factoring in the quarterback situation as a key consideration in his interest in head coaching positions. An insider notes, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid," underscoring the importance of a dependable quarterback in Johnson's evaluation process.
The State of the New York Jets
The New York Jets, a team in transition, have ended their season with a disappointing 5-12 record. The mid-season dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas reflects the franchise’s urge to reassess and re-align their strategies to ensure better performance. Jeff Ulbrich played the role of interim head coach as the Jets closed out a turbulent season.
Despite their struggles, the Jets hold a promising seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and are actively interviewing candidates for their head coaching position. Interestingly, while Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator, is being considered for this role, the Jets have not yet formally requested an interview with Ben Johnson.
Other NFL Teams in the Mix
Beyond the Jets, several other NFL franchises are also searching for new leadership at the helm. The Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots have all dismissed their respective head coaches—Matt Eberflus, Doug Pederson, and Jerod Mayo—indicating a wide-open race for coaching opportunities. These teams are actively exploring their options to find a leader who can usher in a new era of success.
Financial and Career Considerations
Financially, Ben Johnson is currently earning around $5 million as the Lions' offensive coordinator. While compensation can be a motivating factor, Johnson's decisions will likely hinge more on the opportunity to shape a franchise’s future and the potential to work with a team where his offensive strategies can be effectively implemented.
In a league known for its heavy focus on quarterback development and performance, Johnson’s meticulous approach to evaluating opportunities signifies his understanding of the intricate components required for a successful transition to a head coaching role. As teams continue to evaluate coaching prospects, Ben Johnson’s reputation for offensive innovation and strategic prowess will keep him at the forefront of their considerations.
The upcoming decisions by Johnson and the teams vying for his expertise will be closely watched, as they could significantly influence the competitive landscape of the NFL in the coming years. As always in the NFL, finding the right fit is crucial not just for team success, but for the personal growth and legacy of the coaches at the helm. Ben Johnson seems poised to make the most of this high-stakes opportunity.