Strengths of Realistic Lions Offensive Coordinator Candidates

The Detroit Lions have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, aiming to become a competitive force in the NFC. To achieve sustained success, a key area of focus for the organization is the offensive side of the ball. In this context, selecting the right Offensive Coordinator (OC) is paramount. This role requires a blend of innovative game planning, adept leadership, and the ability to adapt to evolving personnel needs.

This analysis will explore the strengths of realistic candidates who could fill this position for the Lions. Given the franchise’s upward trajectory under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, the Lions are positioned to attract strong candidates. Some may already be in the league, while others could be rising stars on the coaching scene. Regardless of the candidate’s current status, the strengths required for a successful OC in Detroit share common traits, including adaptability, offensive creativity, and an ability to develop young talent.

1. Ben Johnson (Current Lions Offensive Coordinator)

Strengths:

Familiarity with Personnel: Ben Johnson has an intimate knowledge of the Lions’ roster, having already served as the offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023. He’s worked closely with Jared Goff, and his familiarity with the team’s skill players, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jamaal Williams (now departed), and the revamped offensive line, gives him a leg up. This continuity could be instrumental in maximizing the unit’s potential.
Balanced Playcalling: Johnson’s ability to balance the passing and running game effectively is one of his defining features. He has shown the ability to utilize Detroit’s versatile offensive line, talented running back committee, and Goff’s strengths in a system that adapts to different matchups. His commitment to a balanced offense helped Detroit finish 4th in total yards in 2023.
Innovation and Creativity: One of Johnson’s standout strengths has been his use of creative schemes. Whether it’s his reliance on play-action, motion, or utilizing tight ends and running backs in unique roles, Johnson has proven to be an imaginative offensive mind. His success at building creative, multifaceted offensive systems speaks to his high football IQ and understanding of modern NFL offenses.
Development of Goff: Under Johnson’s tutelage, Jared Goff has returned to Pro Bowl-level play. His ability to rebuild Goff’s confidence and maximize his strengths – primarily through simplified reads and focusing on play-action – speaks to Johnson’s coaching acumen and ability to get the best out of quarterbacks with different skill sets.

Given the continuity and progress the Lions’ offense has made under Johnson, he remains a strong candidate for continued success in Detroit.

2. Eric Bieniemy (Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator)

Strengths:

Proven Success in Kansas City: Bieniemy’s most notable success comes from his time as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs (though his title is “offensive coordinator” by name, head coach Andy Reid runs the show, and Bieniemy was primarily tasked with overseeing the offensive game plan and coordination). His work with Patrick Mahomes and an elite receiving corps helped the Chiefs win multiple Super Bowls and consistently finish near the top of the NFL in offensive statistics.
Experience with Elite Quarterbacks: Bieniemy has honed his craft coaching an elite quarterback in Mahomes. The experience of navigating the demands of a top-tier QB and orchestrating an offense that can maximize his unique talents would be a strength he could bring to Jared Goff. Goff may not be Mahomes, but Bieniemy’s ability to help a quarterback elevate his game is invaluable.
Development of Offensive Talent: Under Bieniemy, the Chiefs featured a high-powered, versatile offense that used multiple running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends effectively. His ability to spread the ball around and design an offense that features multiple weapons is something that could play well with the Lions’ own collection of skill players.
Emphasis on Scheme and Execution: Bieniemy’s focus on sharp execution, especially in critical moments, would appeal to a team like the Lions, who are looking to improve in high-pressure situations and red-zone efficiency.

While Bieniemy’s transition from offensive coordinator with the Chiefs to leading the Washington Commanders’ offense in 2024 hasn’t been without challenges, his leadership and coaching pedigree remain highly respected. His ability to build an offense that can function at a high level even when faced with adversity could provide an edge to the Lions as they aim for the next step in their evolution.

3. Kellen Moore (Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Coordinator)

Strengths:

Youthful Creativity: At just 36 years old, Kellen Moore brings youthful energy and modern ideas to the offensive playcalling table. His rise from a backup quarterback to an offensive coordinator in just a few years is impressive, and his ability to think outside the box has garnered attention league-wide.
Experience with High-Volume Passing Attacks: Moore was instrumental in designing the high-octane passing offense of the Dallas Cowboys under head coach Mike McCarthy. His work with Dak Prescott allowed the Cowboys to consistently be one of the most potent passing attacks in the league. Given the talent the Lions have on the outside with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Moore’s ability to create mismatches in the passing game could be crucial.
Innovative Play-Design: Moore is known for his innovative approach to playcalling. He often uses creative formations, motions, and route combinations to confuse defenses and create space for his playmakers. His passing attack is fast-paced, efficient, and versatile, and he could incorporate similar principles with the Lions’ personnel, particularly with the aforementioned receivers.
Focus on Quarterback Development: Moore’s ability to get the most out of quarterbacks has been on full display with Prescott in Dallas. His development of Prescott from a mid-round pick to one of the league’s top quarterbacks speaks to Moore’s ability to foster young talent. This would align well with Detroit’s goal of continuing to improve Jared Goff’s performance.

Moore’s innovative offense could further elevate the Lions’ already productive offensive line and running back group, making him a dynamic candidate for the position.

4. Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts Head Coach)

Strengths:

Quarterback Development: One of Steichen’s defining achievements has been his ability to develop quarterbacks. Most notably, he was a key figure in the development of Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers. After moving to the Indianapolis Colts, Steichen was instrumental in the early development of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. His understanding of how to design offenses around a quarterback’s strengths is invaluable.
Run-Heavy Philosophy with Play-Action: Steichen’s offense is often built around a strong running game, and he utilizes play-action to great effect. The Lions’ offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, and pairing that with a creative offensive coordinator who can incorporate play-action would be a winning combination. Steichen’s success in this regard with the Chargers and Colts demonstrates his ability to get results with various types of quarterbacks and running backs.
Creative Use of Personnel: Steichen’s offenses are known for utilizing all of their weapons, whether it’s in motion, misdirection, or using tight ends in unconventional ways. Detroit’s offense has several players who can thrive in such systems, including tight ends like Sam LaPorta and running backs like David Montgomery. His ability to design plays that maximize these players’ potential would be a strength for the Lions.

Steichen’s knowledge of building a balanced, multiple-threat offense with an emphasis on utilizing young quarterbacks could translate well to Detroit’s offensive approach.

5. Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins Head Coach)

Strengths:

Offensive Scheme Innovation: McDaniel’s offensive system in Miami has been widely praised for its creativity and adaptability. His ability to use motion, quick throws, and diverse schemes has transformed Miami into one of the NFL’s top offenses, particularly with a speed-based receiving corps. While Detroit may not have the exact same personnel, McDaniel’s ability to adapt his offense to his players’ strengths could help Detroit maximize its potential.
Focus on Speed and Space: McDaniel’s system prioritizes creating space for explosive players and maximizing their ability to create after the catch. With St. Brown and Williams as key playmakers in Detroit, McDaniel’s philosophy could allow the Lions to stretch the field and operate in space more effectively.
Modern Offensive Mindset: McDaniel represents a new breed of offensive-minded head coaches who value cutting-edge strategy and analytics. His understanding of how to use motion, formation diversity, and deception to manipulate defenses could bring a new level of dynamism to Detroit’s offense.

Though McDaniel is currently the head coach of the Dolphins, his previous experience as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator makes him an intriguing name in the coaching community. If the Lions were to target him, they’d be acquiring a highly innovative mind that could help reshape their offense.