The landscape of NFL coaching seats is rapidly shifting this offseason, and at the center of speculative headlines is Ben Johnson, the offensive mastermind behind the Detroit Lions' remarkable offensive performance. Johnson's name has been circulating within league circles as a potential candidate for head coaching roles, but insiders indicate that his interest goes beyond simply climbing the career ladder. His approach is one of careful consideration and selectivity.
Ben Johnson's Calculated Approach
Currently steering the offensive ship for the Detroit Lions, Johnson has made it clear that he won't entertain every vacant head coaching position. "Ben Johnson has been clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role," recent reports suggest. This discretion reflects an understanding of the critical variables that come with such a transition, chief among them being the quarterback situation within prospective teams.
Multiple insiders have noted that Johnson's enthusiasm for any head coaching position is "influenced by the quarterback situation of the team." Particularly with the New York Jets, it's been stated, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid." Such a strategic approach highlights Johnson's desire to inherit a team where the foundational key to offensive success—the quarterback—is secure.
The Jets' Position in the Coaching Market
The New York Jets, fresh from parting ways with head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, find themselves amid a mid-season rebuilding phase. With an interim head coach, Jeff Ulbrich, stepping in after their dismissal and the team concluding a disappointing 5-12 season, they hold the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Jets are actively interviewing candidates, yet they have not officially sought an interview with Johnson, a move reflective of the broader interest in potential candidates across the league.
Adding complexity to this pursuit, Aaron Glenn, the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator, is also reportedly under consideration for the top role with the Jets. This situation may influence the Jets’ tactics and urgency in securing interest from other high-profile coaching figures, including Johnson, who has already proven his strategic prowess in reshaping the Lions' offensive capabilities.
The Lions' Offensive Prowess
Under Ben Johnson's guidance, the Detroit Lions have emerged as a formidable force. The Lions secured the prestigious No. 1 seed with a pristine 15-2 record, making a statement across the league with their high-scoring, dynamic offense. Jared Goff, the Lions' quarterback, threw with an impressive 72.4% completion rate, positioning the team second in both yards per pass attempt and overall passing yards. Moreover, the Lions ranked third in passing touchdowns and developed a robust rushing attack, placing them in the top ten across various rushing metrics.
This strategic mastery of offensive play-calling and execution not only enhances Johnson’s resume but also makes him a highly coveted candidate for teams yearning to replicate the Lions' success. His current earnings, around $5 million, underscore the value placed on his role and potential future in head coaching capacities.
Other Team Movements
Beyond the Jets, the quest for new head coaches has become a common theme in the league. Teams like the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are also seeking new leadership. The Bears, Jaguars, and Patriots made decisive moves, parting ways with Matt Eberflus, Doug Pederson, and Jerod Mayo, respectively. These shifts create a competitive marketplace for top coaching talents like Johnson, who will weigh these opportunities against his current role and career trajectory.
As teams like the Jets and others set their sights on the future, Ben Johnson remains a figure of intrigue and aspiration—his selective nature and strategic focus setting him apart in a landscape crowded with ambition. The decisions made in the coming weeks will inevitably shape not only his path but potentially set the stage for a transformative chapter in the NFL coaching arena.