Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson shocked everyone last year when he passed on head coaching opportunities to return. Johnson didn’t only interview with teams last offseason, but he could’ve landed a head coaching job.
Johnson, perhaps wisely, chose to return to Detroit, and things couldn’t have worked out better. The Lions won the NFC East, are hosting two playoff games (so far), and have an opportunity this weekend to advance to their first NFC Championship game in 32 years.
A major reason for Detroit’s success is Johnson’s offense. The Lions finished No. 5 in total offensive DVOA, per FTN. Johnson has helped quarterback Jared Goff turn his career around after the Rams gave up on him.
With his success in 2023, Johnson is an even more popular coaching candidate for 2024. Eight teams have coaching vacancies this offseason, with two already filled from within. That leaves six vacancies, and six teams have requested permission to interview Johnson.
Johnson’s decision to return likely helped him find a more ideal situation but has also helped him grow as a coach.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell spoke on Johnson’s growth since returning to the Lions.
“I think it’s made him a better coach,” Campbell said, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. “Yeah, he’s grown as a coordinator. Got a little better. You learn things as you would being in that position, yeah. There’s that, but I think it’s made him a more well-rounded coach. I just think everything has grown. I think he’s got a very good grasp of what we do [with] roster management. I think when you do that, and you get in that, and it’s like, ‘OK, there could be a next step. I’m not ready for that. In my head, I don’t want to do that yet. Yes, I’m a better coordinator,’ but it’s also……he’s starting to look for and ask these questions about roster, game-day, building a team, what you’re looking for, front of the room. And I think it served him well.”
That’s an impressive answer from Campbell explaining why returning to his role as an offensive coordinator will only make Johnson a better head coach whenever he eventually departs.
“It’s a credit to him, man. Not many people would do that,” Campbell said about Johnson turning down head coaching jobs last offseason. “But that’s how he viewed it. It’s an experience for him. It’s a chance to grow, and it’s a chance to grow with people that he appreciates being around.”
Johnson has several options, and many NFL insiders believe the Washington Commanders have him as their No. 1 target. Does that mean Johnson views Washington the same? What helps the Commanders is new GM Adam Peters and his reputation, along with Washington owning the No. 2 overall pick, essentially allowing Johnson the opportunity to groom a rookie franchise quarterback.
Detroit hosts Tampa Bay in the NFC divisional round on Sunday.
