The Detroit Lions have been a team with much to prove in recent years, both in terms of their on-field performance and their ability to develop and retain talent. One of the most crucial aspects of a football team’s success is the leadership provided by its coaching staff, particularly the coordinators. As the 2024 NFL season progresses, there is speculation that the Lions’ offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, could be in line to become the next head coach of an AFC team, which would mark a significant step in his career. Johnson, who has gained recognition for his innovative offensive schemes and his ability to maximize the talent of his players, is an ideal candidate for head coaching positions across the league.
This article will explore Ben Johnson’s journey to becoming a standout coordinator for the Lions, the potential impact of his departure from Detroit, and the future of the team he would leave behind. Additionally, we will examine what makes Johnson such a highly sought-after candidate for a head coaching role and why an AFC team might be eager to bring him on board.
Ben Johnson’s Background and Rise to Prominence
Ben Johnson’s journey to becoming a respected NFL offensive coordinator began at the collegiate level, where he was a standout student-athlete before transitioning into coaching. After playing wide receiver at the University of North Carolina, Johnson honed his coaching craft through various assistant roles before making his way to the NFL.
He initially entered the NFL coaching ranks as an offensive quality control coach with the Miami Dolphins in 2012. Over the next few years, Johnson’s coaching acumen grew, and he moved up the ranks. His big break came when he joined the Detroit Lions in 2019 as an offensive assistant. Under Lions head coach Matt Patricia, Johnson’s role grew in prominence, and by 2021, he was promoted to the position of offensive coordinator.
What has made Johnson so successful in Detroit is his ability to adapt and innovate. Unlike many offensive coordinators who rely on traditional systems and playcalling, Johnson’s offensive strategies are highly flexible, with an emphasis on utilizing all of a team’s strengths. His approach has helped the Lions develop a more explosive and efficient offense, which has contributed to the team’s resurgence in recent years.
In particular, Johnson has become known for his creative use of personnel and his ability to design plays that make the most of each player’s skills. Under his leadership, the Lions have become one of the more high-powered offenses in the NFL, with quarterback Jared Goff playing some of the best football of his career. Johnson’s system has allowed Detroit to exploit mismatches in defenses, resulting in more sustained drives and higher scoring outputs.
The AFC Head Coaching Carousel
As the NFL coaching landscape evolves, more and more teams in the AFC are looking to make bold moves to secure their future. The AFC has seen a shift in recent years, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals establishing themselves as perennial contenders. However, there are still several teams within the conference searching for stability at the head coaching position. These teams recognize that the key to competing with the top-tier teams in the league is to build a dynamic, high-performing offense that can keep up with the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow.
In this climate, an offensive-minded coach like Ben Johnson is seen as a highly valuable commodity. His reputation for developing strong, adaptable offenses makes him an ideal candidate for any team looking to improve its offensive output and take the next step toward becoming a championship contender.
Why Ben Johnson Fits the Bill for an AFC Head Coaching Role
One of the key reasons Ben Johnson is such an appealing candidate for an AFC team is his track record of success with a team that had struggled for years to find consistent offensive production. Detroit, traditionally known for its defensive struggles, has experienced a notable turnaround in recent seasons due in large part to Johnson’s influence. He has not only helped quarterback Jared Goff regain his confidence and play at an elite level, but he’s also maximized the potential of Detroit’s skill players. The Lions’ offense has become diverse and unpredictable under Johnson’s direction, which is a quality many AFC teams are desperate to add to their coaching staff.
Johnson’s ability to make adjustments within games, exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses, and build an offense that is greater than the sum of its parts is a testament to his potential as a head coach. For an AFC team searching for a new head coach, Johnson brings a modern, forward-thinking approach to the table. With the majority of the conference’s top teams already possessing elite quarterbacks and offenses, the next wave of head coaches will need to be able to implement systems that can take advantage of talent while making smart in-game decisions.
Furthermore, Ben Johnson is known for his strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities. As an offensive coordinator, he’s been able to connect with players, motivating them to play at a high level. This ability to inspire confidence in his players is vital for any head coach, especially in a conference as competitive as the AFC. Johnson’s experience working under various coaching staffs, coupled with his collaborative approach to decision-making, makes him well-equipped to manage the complexities of being a head coach.
Potential AFC Teams That Could Target Ben Johnson
While it is impossible to predict exactly which team might hire Ben Johnson, there are several AFC franchises that could be in play for his services. These teams are typically in the midst of rebuilding or searching for a new direction under a head coach. Some of the leading candidates might include:
1. Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have gone through a series of head coaches in recent years and are looking for stability. The team has a promising quarterback in Anthony Richardson and a strong defense, but it has struggled to find consistent offensive success. Johnson’s ability to develop a young quarterback and create a balanced offensive attack could be just what the Colts need to return to playoff contention.
2. Denver Broncos: With Russell Wilson’s future in question and the team looking for a fresh approach, the Broncos could see Ben Johnson as the key to unlocking Wilson’s potential. Johnson’s offensive scheme, which thrives on adapting to the strengths of the quarterback, could help revitalize Wilson’s career in Denver and make the Broncos a serious playoff contender once again.
3. Tennessee Titans: The Titans have traditionally been a run-heavy team but are at a crossroads with aging quarterback Ryan Tannehill and an uncertain future at the position. Ben Johnson’s ability to design offenses that blend the run and pass game effectively could provide the Titans with a new direction, allowing them to transition smoothly to the next phase of their roster construction.
4. Houston Texans: After hiring a new head coach in 2024, the Texans are still in the process of rebuilding. With rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud showing promise, the Texans could be looking for an offensive mind like Johnson to help develop their young signal caller. Johnson’s ability to adapt his system to different quarterbacks would be invaluable as Houston continues its long-term development.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders have gone through several coaching changes in recent years, and there is an open question about the long-term future of quarterback Derek Carr. If the Raiders decide to move on from Carr and begin a new chapter, Ben Johnson could be an ideal coach to usher in a new era, building a modern offense around a young quarterback while maintaining the Raiders’ traditional offensive identity.
