Ben Johnson's Calculated Path to NFL Head Coaching
Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has been the subject of growing speculation amidst the NFL’s offseason head coaching carousel. While many teams yearn for his strategic playbook and leadership acumen, Johnson maintains a discerning eye on potential head coaching opportunities.
In his current role with the Lions, Johnson has played an instrumental part in their offensive success. The team clinched the No. 1 seed with an impressive 15-2 record. The match between Jared Goff's exceptional 72.4% completion rate and Johnson's offensive schemes places the Lions among the top teams in the league in passing metrics, ranking second in yards per attempt and passing yards, and third in passing touchdowns. Their rushing attack also stands strong, ranking in the top ten across various measurements. Johnson's offensive prowess, evidenced by these achievements, has naturally made him a prime candidate for head coaching roles.
Yet, Johnson is far from ready to leap into just any opening, as he clearly states, "Ben Johnson has been clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role." His selectiveness is not a reflection of complacency but rather a strategic approach to leverage his current success for the right opportunity. One significant factor influencing his decision is the quarterback situation of prospective teams, with sources noting that "he would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid."
The New York Jets: A Developing Narrative
Among the teams in pursuit of a new head coach, the New York Jets stand out. Following a turbulent season ending with a 5-12 record, the Jets' leadership undertook drastic changes, dismissing head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas. Jeff Ulbrich took the reins as interim head coach, and now the organization looks forward to rebuilding.
The Jets hold the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a crucial asset in their rebuilding strategy. While they are interviewing various head coaching candidates, as of now, they have not formally requested an interview with Johnson. Intriguingly, Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator, is reportedly a candidate for the role, signaling the Jets' potential interest in integrating aspects of the Lions’ successful strategies.
Broader Head Coaching Market
The Jets are not alone in their quest. The coaching market is bustling with the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots also seeking new head coaches. The Bears made their move post-Thanksgiving, parting ways with Matt Eberflus, while the Jaguars and Patriots released Doug Pederson and Jerod Mayo, respectively.
For Johnson, each team's appeal is measured against his career aspirations and current remuneration, which reportedly stands around $5 million. His choices and eventual move, if any, may set significant precedents for how coordinators with high-market value leverage situations in future coaching market scenarios.
A Calculated Decision
Given Johnson’s current remuneration and professional standing, his next career move is likely to be as strategic as his play-calling. The right combination of opportunity, quarterback talent, and organizational stability will undoubtedly play vital roles in his decision-making process. In the end, Johnson's cautious approach speaks volumes about his understanding of the league's complex landscape and his personal career trajectory. NFL franchises vying for his leadership must align themselves innovatively and strategically to attract his interest, at a time when top-tier coaching talent is in high demand yet exceptionally selective.