An Eye on the Sidelines: Ben Johnson's Prospect as a Head Coach
Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has quietly become one of the most intriguing figures in the NFL coaching landscape. With several teams in pursuit of new leadership, Johnson stands out not only for his tactical prowess but also for his measured approach to stepping up as a head coach.
Johnson’s impact on the Lions has been nothing short of transformative. Under his guidance, the Detroit Lions secured the No. 1 seed with a 15-2 record, showcasing an offense that is both dynamic and efficient. Quarterback Jared Goff’s remarkable 72.4% completion rate is a testament to the effective strategies implemented by Johnson, whose system ranks second in both yards per pass attempt and passing yards, and third in passing touchdowns. Not to be overshadowed, the Lions' rushing attack has also cemented itself in the top ten across various metrics, underscoring Johnson's comprehensive offensive approach.
Amidst such achievements, it is no wonder that Johnson's name frequently appears on the shortlist for head coaching vacancies across the NFL. However, according to recent reports, he's making it clear that he won't entertain interviews with every team in search of a new coach. An insider reveals, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid," suggesting Johnson's preference for stability and potential at the quarterback position when considering his next move.
The New York Jets have recently found themselves in a restructuring phase, having dismissed head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas mid-season. Jeff Ulbrich stepped in as interim head coach, steering the team to a 5-12 finish. Facing their current challenges, the Jets hold the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and are actively interviewing a range of candidates to fill their head coaching vacancy. Among those considered is Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator for the Lions, yet the Jets have not formally requested to interview Johnson.
Johnson's reticence may be due in part to the larger landscape of the NFL, where franchises such as the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are also hunting for new head coaches. The Bears moved on from Matt Eberflus after Thanksgiving, the Jaguars parted ways with Doug Pederson, and the Patriots released Jerod Mayo. The turmoil across the league presents a bevy of opportunities but also underscores the instability that comes with the territory.
Despite his current salary of around $5 million, Johnson's cautious approach to career advancement reflects more than financial considerations. His selective mindset reveals a strategic thought process, one that weighs key aspects of a team's infrastructure—especially the quarterback component, which he values critically. While some might see this as a hesitation, seasoned observers recognize it as a calculated strategy to ensure a new head coaching role aligns with his vision and capabilities.
Johnson's orchestration of a powerful and efficient Detroit offense has made him a sought-after candidate, yet his methodical evaluation of prospective teams underscores why he is set for success wherever his career takes him next. As the NFL coaching carousel spins on, Ben Johnson remains a figure whose choices will continue to be the subject of extensive analysis and anticipation as he decides when, and with whom, to take the next step in his coaching journey.