Navigating Coaching Opportunities: Ben Johnson's Calculated Approach
The coaching carousel in the NFL spins with a relentless and dizzying energy, and this season, one of the most coveted coordinators in the league finds himself at the center of it all. Ben Johnson, the offensive architect behind the Detroit Lions’ stunning season, is attracting significant attention as teams scramble to fill head coaching vacancies. However, Johnson's approach to this sudden surge of interest is as meticulous as his offensive play-calling.
Johnson, currently serving as the Lions' offensive coordinator, has engineered an offensive juggernaut that secured a remarkable 15-2 record and the No. 1 seed in the NFC. His brilliance is evident in the Lions' offensive statistics; with Jared Goff leading the charge, the team is second in yards per pass attempt and passing yards, and stands third in passing touchdowns. Their rushing attack further complements this with top-ten rankings across various metrics, showcasing a holistic and devastating offensive strategy.
While many teams have come calling, hoping to lure Johnson into their head coaching ranks, he remains judicious in entertaining offers. The New York Jets, for instance, are in the midst of a rigorous search after parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas following a disheartening 5-12 season. They are interviewing various candidates to find a leader who can galvanize a team that holds the seventh overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Despite their interest, the Jets have yet to formally request an interview with Johnson.
This cautious approach by Johnson isn't arbitrary. Recent reports suggest that he "won't interview with every team looking to fill the role," indicating a selective approach to the multitude of opportunities available. A key factor in his decision-making process appears to be the quarterback situation of potential suitors. An insider notes, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid."
Johnson is not alone among his peers in being targeted by teams on the hunt for new leadership. His colleague, Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator, is also being considered for the Jets' head coaching position. As the coaching market intensifies, other franchises are staging their own seismic shifts. The Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are all navigating post-season changes after releasing their respective head coaches—Matt Eberflus, Doug Pederson, and Jerod Mayo—orchestrating fresh directions for their storied franchises.
Still, Johnson's potential leap to a head coaching position hinges on more than just matching with a team in need. With a current salary sitting around $5 million as an offensive coordinator, any move would need to represent not only a career advancement but a fit in terms of team vision and personnel, particularly at quarterback, the linchpin of any successful offense. The delicate balance of opportunity and readiness is not lost on Johnson, who is reported to be quite discerning with invitations to interview.
The Detroit Lions' resurgence under Johnson’s offensive tutelage stands as one of this season's most compelling narratives, elevating both his profile and the stakes in his next career decision. While the lure of a head coaching role in the NFL is unquestionably attractive, Johnson’s steadfast commitment to finding the right situation underscores his strategic foresight. With numerous teams looking to reboot with new leadership, Johnson's availability presents a tantalizing option for those ready to meet his high standards.
As the off-season continues to unfold, the question remains: which NFL franchise will align itself with Johnson's rigorous criteria and secure his services to lead their charge from the sideline? One thing is certain—any team that can offer the stability and quarterback certainty Johnson values will be primed to benefit immensely from his offensive acumen and tactical prowess.