Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the most sought-after names in this year’s NFL coaching carousel, is using the Lions’ playoff bye week to explore head coaching opportunities. With the Lions clinching the No. 1 seed in the NFC on Sunday night, Johnson now has time to focus on his career prospects while his team prepares for its Super Bowl run.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Johnson is scheduled to interview for the New England Patriots’ and Chicago Bears’ head coaching vacancies this week. The interviews signal Johnson’s growing interest in taking the next step in his career after spearheading Detroit’s high-powered offense.
A Calculated Approach
Pelissero shared on NFL Network that Johnson is particularly intrigued by both opportunities. “I am told Ben Johnson does intend to interview with both the Patriots and the Bears for their head coaching positions this week,” Pelissero reported. “He has been intrigued by the Bears’ job for some time, and now that the Patriots’ job with Drake Maye at quarterback has become available, that is certainly a possibility to monitor.”
The Patriots recently fired Jerod Mayo after a single season as head coach, while the Bears parted ways with Matt Eberflus earlier in the year after a disappointing campaign. Both organizations present unique challenges and opportunities that align with Johnson’s coaching philosophy.
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A Selective Hiring Cycle
Johnson’s decision to interview for these two roles is consistent with his deliberate approach to the hiring process. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer previously reported that Johnson will not pursue interviews lightly, instead focusing only on opportunities he genuinely believes are a good fit.
According to Breer, Johnson has two primary criteria for considering a head coaching job:
- Organizational Alignment: Johnson seeks strong synergy between a team’s general manager and head coach, ensuring a unified vision for success.
- Commitment to Change: He values recognition from ownership of past organizational missteps and a willingness to address and correct those issues.
By prioritizing these factors, Johnson demonstrates a long-term mindset, aiming to position himself in an environment conducive to sustained success.
A Rising Star in Coaching
Since becoming the Lions’ offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson has been instrumental in transforming Detroit’s offense into one of the most dynamic units in the league. Under his guidance, quarterback Jared Goff has revitalized his career, and the Lions have emerged as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
At just 38 years old, Johnson brings over a decade of NFL experience, having worked with various head coaches, including Adam Gase during his time with the Miami Dolphins and Matt Patricia during his early years in Detroit. This diverse background has helped Johnson develop a versatile and innovative coaching style.
Weighing the Opportunities
Both the Patriots and Bears present compelling but distinct challenges:
- New England Patriots: With rookie quarterback Drake Maye at the helm, the Patriots offer Johnson the chance to develop a young, high-upside talent in a storied franchise. The team’s ownership is known for its patience and commitment to winning, making it an appealing option for a coach seeking organizational alignment.
- Chicago Bears: Johnson has reportedly been intrigued by the Bears’ position for some time. With significant cap space and a high draft pick, Chicago offers a blank slate for a coach looking to rebuild a franchise. However, the team’s history of instability may be a factor Johnson considers carefully.
What’s Next for Johnson?
Johnson’s interviews this week could mark the beginning of a pivotal chapter in his coaching career. Should he decide to leave Detroit, his departure would create a significant void for the Lions, who have leaned heavily on his offensive expertise during their resurgence. For now, all eyes are on his meetings with the Patriots and Bears as the coaching carousel begins to spin.
As the Lions focus on their playoff journey, Johnson’s next move could not only shape his future but also have a ripple effect on the NFL’s broader coaching landscape.
