Amidst the unfolding frenzy of the NFL coaching carousel, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is emerging as one of the most anticipated candidates for a head coaching role. However, in an era where teams are quick to make changes, Johnson is decidedly selective in his considerations.
Johnson's Selective Approach
As the Detroit Lions savor their successful season, securing the No. 1 seed with an impressive 15-2 record, their offensive mastermind, Ben Johnson, remains focused yet discerning about his future. According to recent reports, "Ben Johnson has been clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role."
Johnson's meteoric rise to recognition is backed by the Lions' stellar offensive stats. Under his guidance, the Lions achieved a passing game ranking second in yards per attempt and overall passing yards, as well as securing the third spot in passing touchdowns. Quarterback Jared Goff's remarkable 72.4% completion rate is yet another testament to Johnson's effective strategies, which have evidently made him a hot commodity in the NFL coaching market.
The Jets and the Quest for Stability
Across the league, the New York Jets are in search of stable leadership following a turbulent season that saw the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh and interim leadership under Jeff Ulbrich. Closing their season with a 5-12 record, the Jets are eager for a fresh start and are preparing to make significant decisions, including using their seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Jets' quest involves interviewing various candidates for the head coaching position. Among those being considered is Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator. However, despite interest, the team has not formally requested an interview with Johnson, a notable absence given his credentials and the potential transformative impact he could bring to the Jets' offense.
Quarterback Considerations
Johnson's reluctance to engage across the board appears to be influenced by specific team circumstances, especially the quarterback position. An insider notes, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid." This sentiment highlights a strategic approach where Johnson seeks a franchise with the potential for offensive growth anchored by stability and promise at the quarterback position.
This calculated stance is understandable after witnessing the Lions’ success under Johnson’s tenure, where a balanced, capable quarterback like Goff has thrived. As teams like the Jets look to rebuild, this prerequisite might serve as both a guideline and a limitation in their recruitment efforts.
A Competitive Market
The competition for securing top coaching talent is fierce this offseason, with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots all pursuing new leadership after releasing Matt Eberflus, Doug Pederson, and Jerod Mayo, respectively. Each of these franchises presents unique challenges and opportunities, and for Johnson, the decision involves not just financial considerations—given his current earnings hover around $5 million—but a holistic assessment of the team's potential.
Johnson's current focus remains on maintaining the Lions' offensive momentum and contributing to their postseason aspirations. Nevertheless, as interviews and opportunities continue to arise, whether he will take on the challenge of leading a team in transition remains to be seen.
In a league where coaching leadership can swiftly alter a franchise's trajectory, Johnson’s discernment in selecting the right fit could set a precedent for how talented coordinators approach their next career steps. Ultimately, teams must align their internal conditions and ambitions with the qualities Johnson deems essential to attract a coach of his caliber. The anticipation around his decision reflects both his professional caliber and the shifting dynamics of NFL leadership.