In the dynamic landscape of the NFL, the Detroit Lions have emerged as a formidable presence this season, securing the No. 1 seed with an impressive 15-2 record. Much of their success can be attributed to their offensive prowess, coordinated under the astute guidance of Ben Johnson. As the Lions' offensive coordinator, Johnson has skillfully orchestrated an attack that ranks second in the league in yards per pass attempt and passing yards, and third in passing touchdowns. Under his leadership, quarterback Jared Goff has flourished, achieving a commendable 72.4% completion rate while the Lions' rushing attack holds its own among the top ten in various metrics.
Johnson's effectiveness as an offensive mastermind hasn't gone unnoticed, with several NFL teams considering him for head coaching positions. However, Johnson has been clear about his selective approach, stating that he won't interview with every team looking to fill the head coaching role. His strategic mindset goes beyond evaluating mere opportunities—he's weighing critical factors such as the stability of the quarterback situation within potential teams.
The Jets' Coaching Carousel
On the other end of the spectrum, the New York Jets have confronted a season fraught with challenges, culminating in the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas midway through their campaign. In their absence, Jeff Ulbrich has served as the interim head coach, but the team still concluded the season with a disappointing 5-12 record. With the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jets are strategically positioning themselves, conducting interviews with various candidates to fill their head coaching vacancy.
Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator, has already surfaced as a notable contender for this role. Interestingly, while the Jets have shown interest in Glenn, they have yet to formally request an interview with Ben Johnson. Given his discerning approach to pursuing head coaching opportunities and the state of the Jets' quarterback situation, it's understandable why Johnson is not currently engaged with the Jets' search. As an insider notes, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid."
League-wide Coaching Changes
There's no shortage of teams re-evaluating their leadership strategies this year. The Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are also seeking new head coaches after releasing their respective leaders—Matt Eberflus, Doug Pederson, and Jerod Mayo. The churn in the coaching ranks represents a massive shift and opportunity for many on the sidelines, including Johnson, who is reportedly earning around $5 million as an offensive coordinator. However, with his stock rising, Johnson stands in a favorable position to demand more, not only in terms of salary but also in terms of influence and control over a team's direction.
A Potential Head Coach on the Rise
For now, the Lions will continue to capitalize on Ben Johnson's strategic acumen as they aim for playoff success. As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, the demand for talented coaches and coordinators will only intensify. In this market, Johnson's philosophy of careful selection and a preference for stability, especially regarding the quarterback position, sets him apart as both a valuable asset for the Lions and a coveted prospect for any team looking to overhaul their franchise.
As teams across the league gear up to reposition themselves for the future, Ben Johnson's calculated approach and exceptional track record make him a figure to watch closely. While the NFL coaching carousel spins with predictable unpredictability, one thing is certain: wherever Johnson lands, his presence promises an exciting chapter for any franchise willing to meet his meticulous standards.