The Detroit Lions are in the midst of a historic season, sitting at 12-2 with their high-powered offense leading the charge. Much of their success can be attributed to the creative playcalling and brilliant schemes of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The 38-year-old’s star has risen rapidly in coaching circles, putting him on the radar for multiple head coaching vacancies in recent offseasons. While Johnson ultimately chose to stay in Detroit to chase a Super Bowl with head coach Dan Campbell, he admits there is a “fire” inside him to lead his own team someday.
“Yeah, I’d say this, I think there’s a burning desire in every man to find what he’s made out of, push the limits and see if he’s got what it takes,” Johnson said Thursday when asked about his head coaching aspirations. “So, yeah, there’s a fire there. Now, when that time is, I don’t know when that’ll be, but there’s certainly a fire there.”
Johnson’s Offense Setting Records
Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions are lighting up scoreboards and rewriting franchise record books. Detroit is averaging a league-high 31.8 points per game, with an offense that seems to unveil creative new wrinkles every week. The Lions have scored 40-plus points in five games this season, tying the team record set way back in 1952. They’ve also scored at least 20 points in 12 straight contests.
Johnson’s dynamic and unpredictable attack keeps defenses guessing, with motions, misdirections, and multiplicity in personnel and formations. He’s gotten the best out of quarterback Jared Goff, who is playing the most efficient football of his career. The Lions can beat you on the ground or through the air, with a versatile run game and plethora of pass-catching weapons.
Head Coach Interviews and Interest
This offensive success has landed Johnson on the interview circuit for head coaching jobs. Per ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Bears, Jets and Saints are all expected to have Johnson as a top candidate this offseason. In previous years, Johnson met with the Commanders, Seahawks, Texans, Colts and Panthers about their openings. While no offers have come yet, it seems only a matter of time before a team entrusts their franchise to the up-and-coming leader.
“Last couple of years, you get thrown in the coordinator role, things get on you fast, and you don’t really have time to think about the future a whole lot. Now that I’ve been through the ringer a couple of times, had some interviews, I certainly do feel more prepared just from a big picture standpoint.”
–Ben Johnson on his growth and interview experiences
Johnson feels he’s grown from each interview opportunity and is more prepared now to take the reins of a team, when the right situation arises. But he remains focused on the task at hand in Detroit.
Unfinished Business with the Lions
Johnson’s deep respect for Campbell, the coaching staff, and the players has made him hit pause on head coaching opportunities for now. The Lions are chasing something special this season, and Johnson wants to see it through.
“I have an obligation to the people in the building to be right where my feet are,” Johnson explained. “When I walk in and I see the coaches staying long nights and working as hard as they’re doing, and I come in and I see the guys, the players, in the meeting room and on the practice field, attacking each day like they are, it’s hard for my mind to wander much beyond what we’re doing in the here and now.”
Campbell Knows Coaching Turnover is Inevitable
Lions head coach Dan Campbell recognizes that his talented staff will be highly sought after as long as they keep winning. He’s worked to prepare coordinators like Johnson, Aaron Glenn and Dave Fipp to be head coaches. Campbell is trying to enjoy this special season, this rare alignment of excellent coaching and selfless team culture, for as long as it lasts.
“This is a special team and it’s a special staff, and it’s been that way since the beginning, it really has been. I’m fortunate, I’m blessed, I’m thankful that I have the coordinators, counting Fipp as well, all three of those guys are superstars… I know – hey, when it’s over, it’s over, but we’re going to make the most of it until that time comes.”
–Dan Campbell on his coordinators’ head coaching potential
As long as the Lions keep dominating on offense under Johnson, his head coaching candidacy will only heat up. But Johnson seems content to let the future play out in due time, while he pours all his energy into bringing the Lombardi Trophy to Detroit. His creative mind and steady leadership appear destined to lead a franchise someday soon. The only question is, will he leave the Lions to do it, or stick around to finish what he’s helped build?
