It’s seldom too early in the NFL to start talking about the upcoming cycle of head coach hires. Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is expected to be the most sought-after coach available, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
On November 15, Pelissero stated, “Many league sources consider Johnson the most coveted candidate in this hiring cycle.”
Entering Week 11, Detroit’s offense was rated sixth in terms of points scored and second in terms of yards under Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator in his second season. Additionally, Johnson’s offense ranks fourth in passing and rushing yards.
Pelissero said, “Johnson is regarded as one of the NFL’s sharpest minds and was on the verge of becoming a head coach last January. He is a former walk-on quarterback who earned math and computer science degrees at North Carolina.”
“Before taking over as Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson coached tight ends, quarterbacks, and receivers, giving him a good feel for the big picture.”
Lions’ Ben Johnson Interviewed for NFL Head Coaching Roles Last Offseason
“Johnson, a former walk-on quarterback who graduated from North Carolina with degrees in math and computer science, is regarded as one of the NFL’s brightest brains and came close to taking over as head coach.Pelissero stated, “Lions’ Ben Johnson interviewed for NFL head coaching positions during the previous offseason in January.”
“Before taking over as Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson coached tight ends, quarterbacks, and receivers, giving him a good feel for the big picture.”
In Miami, Johnson and Campbell worked under the same coaching staff for four seasons. In 2015, Campbell served as the Dolphins’ temporary head coach while Johnson served as the team’s assistant coach for tight ends and quarterbacks.
In 2020, Johnson was appointed as Detroit’s tight ends coach. When the Lions hired Campbell as head coach in 2021, Johnson was still employed in the same capacity. In 2022, Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator.
In Johnson’s first season as offensive coordinator, the Lions were fourth in terms of offensive yards and fifth in terms of points.
Detroit hopes to finish in the top 5 in offensive yards and points scored at the end of the 2023–2024 season for the first time since 1953–1954.
