Please don’t leave us, Ben Johnson. Sure, you’re going to get incredible offers from probably more than one NFL team. You’re going to have teams begging at your feet to head up their programs. But, we love you here at the Detroit Lions, and that has to count for something. It does count for something, but I also can’t image how difficult it would be for Johnson to turn down the opportunity of a lifetime to stay offensive coordinator for another season. But, stranger things have happened. I mean, maybe being head coach is just a bit too much pressure right now. That said, there are currently a whopping seven teams that could steal away Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson.
Before we get into the list, let’s talk about the fact that Johnson is really one of the most sought-after coaches right now. In fact, Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network recently wrote an article naming some up-and-coming coaching candidates, and not only did he including Johnson, but he said that Johnson was possibly the “most coveted candidate in this hiring cycle.” It’s kind of heartbreaking, because the Lions haven’t been good since, well, ever. Now, Johnson and our defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn could reportedly both be finding head coaching jobs elsewhere. I’m terrified of what this could mean to the franchise. Regarding Johnson and his time in Detroit, Pelissero stated, “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.”
So, where will Johnson go? Read on for a list of seven teams that have all reportedly expressed major interest in him. Six of these teams have already requested interviews. Also below, listen to the latest episode of my podcast, “The Squad with Anne Erickson,” where we preview what’s ahead in the playoffs for the Lions. Reach out to me to talk football here.