For a number of years, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has been among the NFL’s most sought-after coaching prospects. NFL whispers about Johnson’s coaching future are still circulating just a few months after another coaching carousel.
Johnson, 38, appeared ready to take over as head coach of the Washington Commanders in 2024. But he pulled his name out of the running for the job when the organization was flying to Detroit to speak with him. Only a year had passed since the North Carolina graduate rejected the Carolina Panthers.
Detroit Lions statistics (ESPN): 279 first downs, 31.9 points per game (1st), 45.7% third-down conversion rate (4th), and 395.2 total yards per game (2nd).
Teams have been interested in Johnson for years because he is widely considered to be the NFL’s best offensive coordinator and one of the league’s brightest thinkers. In addition to being well-known for his game planning and in-game modifications, he is also highly regarded by the players, and teams find him even more intriguing because of his time spent working under head coach Dan Campbell.
Organizations are well aware of how challenging it will be to land him, though. As an offensive coordinator, Johnson has significantly fewer media responsibilities than a head coach, and he enjoys coaching in Detroit. It seems that a blank-check offer won’t work if a team wants to sign him.
Johnson “won’t just jump at any offer” he receives, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, and when it comes down to make a choice, he will place a higher priority on organizational stability than the money he will make as head coach.
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