The Detroit Lions are riding high in the 2024 NFL season, boasting a stellar 14-2 record and positioning themselves as one of the favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. As the Lions prepare for a pivotal showdown against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, attention isn’t just focused on their Super Bowl aspirations—it’s also centered on their brilliant offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson.
At just 38 years old, Johnson has become one of the hottest coaching commodities in the NFL. His creative play-calling and ability to maximize talent have turned Detroit’s offense into a juggernaut, helping propel the team to the top of the NFC standings. But as the coaching carousel looms, the burning question is whether Johnson will finally make the leap to a head coaching role—or whether he’ll once again surprise the football world by staying in Detroit.
A Commitment to the Lions
Johnson made headlines last offseason when, despite being a top candidate for head coaching positions, he chose to remain with the Lions. Following Detroit’s heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, Johnson felt he had unfinished business with the team. His decision was driven by loyalty to head coach Dan Campbell and a desire to help bring a Super Bowl title to Detroit—a city that hasn’t experienced such glory in its NFL history.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Lions are closer than ever to achieving that dream. Under Johnson’s direction, the offense has been nothing short of electric, ranking among the league’s best in scoring, efficiency, and explosive plays. With star players thriving in his system, Johnson’s stock as a head coaching candidate is higher than ever.
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Could Johnson Shock the NFL Again?
Despite his clear qualifications to lead an NFL team, there are growing indications that Johnson may opt to stay in Detroit for another year. According to a report from Pro Football Talk, Johnson is deeply content in his current role and might not be ready to make the leap to head coach—this year or perhaps ever.
“Some who know Johnson aren’t convinced he’s ready to go, this year or ever,” the report states. “He loves being an offensive mad scientist while head coach Dan Campbell handles the far more stressful and unpredictable issues of running an entire team.”
Johnson’s close working relationship with Campbell is a major factor in his decision-making process. The two have built a culture of trust and collaboration, allowing Johnson to focus solely on scheming and game-planning while Campbell handles the broader responsibilities of head coaching. For Johnson, the freedom to innovate and lead one of the league’s most dynamic offenses may outweigh the allure of a head coaching title.
Weighing the Opportunity
There’s no doubt that Johnson will be a top candidate for head coaching vacancies this offseason. With multiple teams likely to pursue him, he has a chance to take the reins of his own franchise. However, as history has shown, the transition from coordinator to head coach is fraught with challenges. The added pressure, responsibility, and unpredictability can derail even the most promising careers.
Johnson’s self-awareness appears to be a key factor in his deliberation. As the Pro Football Talk report notes, “Johnson seems to have the self-awareness to realize it’s far better to be the offensive coordinator of a juggernaut than the head coach of a struggling team.”
Still, opportunities in the NFL can be fleeting. Today’s top coordinator can quickly fade from the spotlight if their team’s success wanes. Johnson must weigh whether staying in Detroit aligns with his long-term aspirations, or if he should seize the moment while his stock is at its peak.
A Crucial Night Ahead
As the Lions prepare to face the Vikings in a game that will determine the NFC’s No. 1 seed, Johnson’s future remains a hot topic of discussion. A victory on Sunday could further cement his status as one of the NFL’s brightest minds, while a deep playoff run or a Super Bowl victory would only amplify the interest from other teams.
For now, Johnson seems focused on the task at hand: leading the Lions to their first Super Bowl appearance. Whether he decides to stay in Detroit or embark on a new chapter as a head coach, one thing is certain—Ben Johnson’s impact on the Lions and the NFL as a whole is undeniable.
Kickoff for Detroit vs. Minnesota is set for 8:20 p.m. ET, and all eyes will be on the Lions’ offense—and the mastermind behind it.
