If Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is looking for an “offensive guru,” then he could have a man who fits that bill in Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
While the 36-year-old may be questioned for his lack of experience, as he’s only been at his current job for one year, he’s helped make a big splash in turning around an often downtrodden franchise. Not only did he mastermind an offense that ranked third in total yards and fifth in scoring, but he did it with less-than-ideal talent at multiple positions.
Johnson is used to being one of the younger guys on a coaching staff, as his first gig in the NFL was with the Miami Dolphins as an offensive assistant at just 26 years of age. The Charleston, S.C. native and Unviersity of North Carolina Tar Heel quickly climbed the ranks to quarterback coach the next year, before bouncing around to various offensive posts under Joe Philbin, Dan Campbell and Adam Gase.
It would certainly be one of the more bold hires considering Johnson’s youth. But now, more than ever, teams are motivated to find their own Sean McVay to turn around their franchise and light a fire under whatever quarterback they are handed.
