As the NFL regular season concludes, the coaching carousel begins to spin with intensity, drawing attention across the league. The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, has emerged as a compelling figure amidst this swirling chaos. With his current role propelling the Lions to a stellar 15-2 finish and securing the No. 1 seed, Johnson’s stock in the coaching market is rising steadily. Yet, as suitors line up, reports suggest Johnson is being exceptionally selective about which opportunities he is willing to even consider.
The Right Fit: Johnson's Discernment
Recent reports echo the sentiment that "Ben Johnson has been clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role.” This selectiveness isn't born merely out of opportunity but from a strategic evaluation of potential prospects. As an offensive architect whose strategies have led to a league-best performance in various offensive metrics, Johnson seems primed to take a strategic leap to head coach, should the right situation present itself.
This cautious approach is evident as his interest in opportunities such as with the New York Jets appears lukewarm. An insider notes, “He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid.” This insight is telling as Johnson evaluates potential roles through a lens focused on key foundational elements, particularly the quarterback position, which is understandably pivotal to his offensive schemes.
The New York Jets: In Search of Stability
The Jets' current state offers multiple challenges and opportunities. Mid-season saw the dismissal of head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas, a decision reflecting an organizational desire for a significant reset in direction. Their subsequent 5-12 season record underscored a need for transformative leadership. Serving as an interim head coach, Jeff Ulbrich provided temporary stability, but the franchise's vision is clearly looking towards the next permanent figurehead.
In draft terms, the Jets hold the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a valuable but uncertain proposition without a clear quarterback leader. Despite a rigorous search and ongoing interviews with various candidates, the Jets have not formally requested an interview with Ben Johnson. The team is also considering Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator, indicating another pathway they might pursue.
The Lions' Offensive Success
The Detroit Lions' current form under Johnson's offensive leadership reveals why he is a target for head coach is intriguing for many teams. Quarterback Jared Goff’s remarkable 72.4% completion rate, along with the Lions' standing second in yards per pass attempt and passing yards, showcases a team in sync with a dynamic and effective strategy. Furthermore, the Lions are third in passing touchdowns, and their rushing attack ranks in the top ten across multiple metrics, rounding out one of the league's most balanced offensive arsenals.
Other Teams in the Market
Beyond the Jets, other franchises like the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are actively seeking new leaders at the helm. Each team has recently parted ways with their head coaches—Matt Eberflus from the Bears, Doug Pederson from the Jaguars, and Jerod Mayo from the Patriots—in pursuit of revitalization and renewed success. These changes open doors to coaches like Johnson, who are contemplating the leap from coordinator to head coach.
In this competitive arena, Ben Johnson, currently earning around $5 million, is in a position to weigh his options carefully. His decisions carry the potential to influence not just his own career trajectory, but the rebuilding dynamics of whichever team secures his signature. As the offseason progresses, Johnson's calculated selectiveness may well determine how the pieces fall across the NFL landscape, showcasing an intriguing symmetry of strategy and opportunity.