Over the weekend, a report surfaced indicating that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was seeking $15 million to assume a head coaching position.
NFL insider Josina Anderson shared, “I’m told personnel around the league are discussing their awareness that some Owners have been told Lions OC Ben Johnson’s asking price is at least or around $15M/year for a head coach job, per source.”
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Following this, Johnson’s agent issued a statement refuting the accuracy of the report. However, new details emerged on Tuesday night, suggesting that at least one team is considering the $15 million price tag.
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper, known for his substantial wealth, has reportedly “discussed” or is “aware of” a potential $15 million offer for Johnson, according to Anderson.
To expand on the previous report on Lions OC Ben Johnson, multiple highly-placed personnel confirmed last week that the Panthers are among the teams that have discussed and/or are aware of a $15M asking price for the sought-after coordinator, who most recently aided Detroit in securing its first division title since 1993,” Josina stated on Tuesday night.
“While Johnson’s agent publicly disputes the mentioned price in preliminary talks, I stand by the integrity and viability of my sources. Meanwhile, private market rates and leverage points always evolve throughout Carousel season.”
Johnson is considered one of the top coaching candidates available this offseason. Tepper reportedly favored him as the top choice in the 2022 offseason but ultimately opted to remain with the Lions. The question remains whether Johnson will decide to pursue a head coaching position in 2024.
But with that kind of asking price, he’d be crazy not to make the leap to Head Coach.
