The Jacksonville Jaguars have officially scheduled an interview with Ben Johnson, the highly regarded offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. Johnson, who has quickly become one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the NFL, has drawn attention from multiple teams looking to improve their offensive schemes and overall production. His track record in Detroit, particularly in his role as offensive coordinator, has put him at the forefront of head coaching conversations.
This development signals the Jaguars’ serious intent to make a strategic move in the coaching ranks to help their promising young roster take the next step. Johnson’s creative offensive mind, ability to develop quarterbacks, and reputation for maximizing player potential are qualities that could provide the Jaguars with the kind of leadership they need to continue building on the progress they’ve made in recent seasons.
A Look at Ben Johnson’s Career
Ben Johnson’s rise through the NFL ranks has been relatively quick but impressive. He joined the Detroit Lions in 2019, initially serving as a wide receivers coach. In just a few short years, he worked his way up to offensive coordinator, a position he assumed in 2022. Under his leadership, the Lions’ offense has been one of the more dynamic and explosive units in the league, showing significant improvement from previous seasons.
Johnson’s ability to adapt and adjust his schemes to fit the strengths of his personnel is one of the key reasons for the Lions’ offensive success. In 2023, Detroit’s offense was among the top in the league, finishing in the top 10 in points scored and total yards. The development of quarterback Jared Goff, who had faced criticism for his play in Los Angeles with the Rams, has been another hallmark of Johnson’s work. Johnson has been credited with creating a system that plays to Goff’s strengths while also allowing him to be more aggressive downfield.
Jaguars’ Current Situation
The Jaguars, led by head coach Doug Pederson, are coming off an exciting season where they captured the AFC South title and made it to the playoffs for the first time since 2017. With a young and talented quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, who showed significant growth during his second season in 2023, the Jaguars are looking to take the next step toward becoming a perennial contender in the AFC.
One of the primary areas where the Jaguars want to improve is on the offensive side of the ball. While their offense, led by Lawrence, showed promise, there were inconsistencies at times, particularly in the red zone and in critical moments of games. The Jaguars’ coaching staff is likely looking for someone who can bring a more sophisticated and explosive offensive scheme that maximizes the talent of their young quarterback and surrounding offensive weapons, such as wide receiver Christian Kirk, running back Travis Etienne, and tight end Evan Engram.
Ben Johnson’s innovative approach could be just what the Jaguars need to take their offense to the next level. His ability to design plays that confuse defenses, make the most out of short-yardage situations, and put players in positions to succeed could complement Lawrence’s skill set. The Jaguars’ front office is aware that the team’s future largely hinges on the development of their quarterback, and Johnson’s work with Goff may be seen as a sign that he could have a similar positive impact on Lawrence.
The Potential Fit Between Ben Johnson and the Jaguars
Ben Johnson’s offensive philosophy could mesh well with the Jaguars’ roster and their aspirations. His approach is rooted in modern offensive concepts, including zone-running schemes, play-action passing, and an emphasis on spreading the field horizontally to create mismatches. This is a departure from more traditional offenses that often focus on power running or a more rigid passing game.
For a team like the Jaguars, which has a quarterback with the arm strength and mobility that Lawrence possesses, Johnson’s system could be ideal. He is known for utilizing play-action to open up passing lanes, creating opportunities for deeper throws and more complex route combinations. Given Lawrence’s ability to read defenses and make throws from a variety of platforms, Johnson could provide him with a system that enhances his natural abilities.
Additionally, Johnson’s experience working with diverse skill sets would benefit the Jaguars’ young, but talented, receiving corps. Players like Kirk, Zay Jones, and others could flourish in a system that emphasizes precision route running and the ability to quickly create separation from defenders. Johnson has proven that he can get the best out of his players, and this ability could be key in developing the Jaguars’ offensive weapons.
Another aspect of Johnson’s coaching philosophy that could appeal to the Jaguars is his emphasis on versatility. In Detroit, he found ways to incorporate a diverse set of running backs and receivers into the offense, ensuring that the attack remained unpredictable. For Jacksonville, this could mean using Etienne not only as a traditional running back but also as a weapon in the passing game, creating mismatches in the open field. A more dynamic, multi-dimensional offense would make it harder for opposing defenses to game-plan effectively against the Jaguars.
Jaguars’ Strategy in Interviewing Ben Johnson
The Jaguars’ decision to interview Ben Johnson is a sign that the team is focused on long-term success and building around Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville, under Pederson, has shown a commitment to developing a solid and balanced roster, and they appear to be looking for a coach who can help bring their offensive game to a level of sustained excellence.
In the current NFL climate, offensive-minded coaches are often the most coveted, especially those who have a track record of developing quarterbacks and implementing effective game plans. Johnson fits that mold. His success in Detroit, where the Lions went from one of the league’s worst offenses to one of its most potent units in just a few seasons, showcases his ability to produce results.
From the Jaguars’ perspective, the interview with Johnson is not just about evaluating his football acumen; it’s also about assessing his ability to connect with players, especially Lawrence. The Jaguars are at a crossroads, where they need to ensure that their young quarterback continues to develop in a positive direction, and Johnson’s reputation as a coach who can get the best out of his quarterbacks could be a major selling point.
Moreover, the Jaguars likely recognize the importance of continuity for Lawrence’s development. Since Lawrence has already worked with Doug Pederson for two seasons, the addition of another coach who can continue to shape and refine his skill set could further expedite his growth. Bringing in an offensive coordinator with a similar philosophy could help smooth the transition for Lawrence as he continues to evolve into a franchise quarterback.
The Jaguars’ search for a coach to help take their offense to the next level is clearly ongoing, but the decision to interview Ben Johnson represents a commitment to making the right choice. If the interview goes well and both sides believe it is a good fit, the Jaguars may look to bring Johnson in as part of their effort to maximize their offensive potential.
Johnson, for his part, will have several options on the table given the interest in his services. As of now, the Jaguars appear to be one of the top teams vying for his expertise, but other franchises with similar needs could be in the mix. It will be important for the Jaguars to demonstrate not just their desire to win now, but their vision for the future and how Ben Johnson could be a key figure in that plan.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Johnson takes the next step in his coaching career by moving to Jacksonville. But regardless of the outcome, the Jaguars’ pursuit of a candidate like Johnson shows their commitment to developing their young talent and building an offense capable of competing at the highest levels of the NFL. As the team continues to evolve, Johnson could be the next piece of the puzzle in their quest for sustained success in the postseason.
