Why Ben Johnson Is 'Most Coveted' NFL Coaching Candidate

Johnson is a premier candidate to be NFL head coach.

The Detroit Lions currently feature one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. 

They're currently among the league's top-10 teams in both passing and rushing offense, along with ranking sixth in scoring offense. As a result, it's no surprise that the architect of this unit, Ben Johnson, is expected to be a coveted commodity on the head coaching market next offseason. 

Before returning to Detroit for his second season as offensive coordinator, Johnson had interested from several teams for vacant head coaching jobs last offseason. He had interest from Houston, Indianapolis and Carolina. 

NFL Network reported Wednesday that industry sources believe Johnson will be the biggest attraction on the open market amongst teams needing a head coach. 

"The Lions' offense found life midway through the 2021 season when Johnson and Campbell -- who spent four years together on the Dolphins staff -- took the reins," wrote NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. "Johnson coached quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends before becoming Detroit's offensive coordinator in 2022, giving him a good feel for the whole picture. And he should be even more prepared to run his own show after another year as OC. Many league sources consider Johnson the most coveted candidate in this hiring cycle."

Since Johnson took over as offensive coordinator in 2022, the Lions have looked the part of an elite offense. His scheme has matched quarterback Jared Goff's skill set perfectly, as the two have mutually benefitted from their pairing. 

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Johnson was the team's tight ends coach when Dan Campbell took over in 2021, but was promoted to passing game coordinator midway through the season. When Anthony Lynn was fired at the end of 2021, Johnson stepped into the offensive coordinator role, and has since taken the team to new heights.

The coach also has an appealing background, with experience playing in college and coaching amidst a variety of schemes. In reviewing the Lions' offense, his creativity flourishes as he utilizes a variety of looks to get the best of his talent. 

That was on display against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10, as the Lions racked up 41 points. 

“Offensively, that was the best game we’ve played up to date. I felt like we were explosive. We really had 10 explosives, with the penalty called with St. Brown running the dagger. I thought Goff made some critical throws," said Dan Campbell Monday. "Our receivers really showed up, not only in the pass game, but the run game. We wanted to be physical, and those guys on the perimeter did. That’s why we had explosive runs. But, ultimately, man, this offensive line, those five upfront really set the tone, and we needed them to. They’re the engine under the hood, man, they make it go. And, they really – we had a checklist of things, and man, they – we checked every box. Those guys showed up."