Realistic Lions Offensive Coordinator Candidates’ Strong Points
The Detroit Lions, a team rich in history yet often seeking their place in the NFL hierarchy, have experienced various highs and lows over the years. As of 2025, the Lions have found themselves in a competitive position, with a promising roster and a dynamic group of players, including rising stars such as quarterback Jared Goff and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. However, the team is still in search of the right offensive coordinator (OC) to unlock its full potential.
Selecting the right offensive coordinator is essential for continuing to build upon the offensive strides the team has made. The role of the OC is not just about calling plays but also about designing a system that suits the strengths of the players on the roster and adapting it to counter the strengths of the opponent. In this context, it is critical for the Lions to target candidates who bring a blend of vision, leadership, adaptability, and a track record of success.
In this article, we will examine several realistic candidates for the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator position and analyze their strong points in terms of their experience, coaching philosophy, and potential to elevate the Lions’ offense.
1. Ben Johnson (Current Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator)
Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Lions, has already made a significant impact on the team since taking over the position in 2022. His offensive system has shown promise, blending a diverse playbook with adaptability to player strengths. Under Johnson, the Lions’ offense has become one of the most exciting units in the NFL, scoring efficiently and consistently, especially in the passing game. His blend of modern concepts with a focus on developing a strong run game has proven effective.
Strong Points:
- Familiarity with the Roster: One of Johnson’s biggest strengths is his deep understanding of the Lions’ personnel. He has already built strong relationships with players like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the running backs, allowing him to tailor the offense to their specific strengths.
- Innovative Play-Calling: Johnson has displayed an ability to mix things up, from creative run designs to innovative passing concepts. His use of motion, play action, and misdirection has kept defenses on their toes.
- Efficiency: Johnson’s offense has been efficient in terms of both scoring and time of possession. His ability to balance the running and passing games, using play action effectively, has made the offense hard to predict.
- Rising Star: At 37 years old, Johnson is considered one of the brightest young minds in the NFL. His continued development could make him one of the league’s top offensive minds.
While Johnson has yet to reach the pinnacle of success, his continued evolution in his second season as OC shows much promise. His connection with the Lions’ culture and personnel could make him a viable long-term option for the role.
2. Eric Bieniemy (Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator)
Eric Bieniemy has long been a candidate for head coaching positions, particularly because of his experience with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he served as offensive coordinator under Andy Reid. His tenure in Kansas City was marked by a high-octane offense led by Patrick Mahomes, one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL.
Strong Points:
- Proven Track Record: Bieniemy has consistently been part of one of the most successful offenses in NFL history. He has helped lead the Chiefs to multiple playoff appearances, including two Super Bowl victories. His ability to work with top-tier quarterbacks and offensive weapons is unparalleled.
- Development of Quarterbacks: Bieniemy’s experience working with Mahomes, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, would be invaluable for developing Jared Goff and potentially the next franchise QB the Lions may bring in the future. His ability to coach up quarterbacks and tailor an offense to their strengths is one of his most significant assets.
- High-Powered Offense: Known for his aggressive play-calling, Bieniemy’s offensive schemes emphasize big plays, stretching the field, and explosive scoring. His experience could be key to unlocking the Lions’ offensive potential, especially with players like Goff and St. Brown.
- Leadership Experience: Having been a key figure in a successful coaching staff in Kansas City, Bieniemy’s leadership would resonate well in Detroit. His expertise could help elevate the Lions’ offensive unit, especially when it comes to handling pressure situations.
However, his tenure with the Washington Commanders in 2023-2024 has been less successful than his previous role with the Chiefs. That being said, his pedigree and experience in high-pressure environments make him a strong candidate for any team looking to take its offense to the next level.
3. Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts Head Coach)
Before becoming the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, Shane Steichen made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator of the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped develop Jalen Hurts into one of the league’s top quarterbacks and led the Eagles to the Super Bowl. Steichen’s offensive philosophy centers on versatility, adaptability, and tailoring schemes to the quarterback’s strengths.
Strong Points:
- Quarterback Development: Steichen has a proven ability to develop quarterbacks, as demonstrated by his work with Jalen Hurts. His philosophy of using a dual-threat quarterback system, mixing the run game and passing game, could be a perfect fit for Goff. Although Goff isn’t as mobile as Hurts, Steichen has the adaptability to craft an offense that plays to Goff’s strengths.
- Balanced Offense: Steichen’s offense is known for being balanced, effectively blending a strong run game with explosive passing plays. This aligns with what the Lions need: a balanced offense that can keep defenses off balance while getting the most out of the players they have.
- High Football IQ: Steichen’s ability to make in-game adjustments and work under pressure is one of his strongest points. His familiarity with the NFC and his success in guiding the Eagles’ offense make him a compelling candidate for the Lions.
- Youth and Modern Thinking: As a younger coach, Steichen represents a forward-thinking offensive mind, with a focus on modern concepts like RPOs (run-pass options), zone reads, and creative pre-snap motion.
Though Steichen is now the head coach of the Colts, should he become available, he could bring the kind of fresh, innovative energy that Detroit’s offense needs to remain competitive in a fast-paced NFC.
4. Klint Kubiak (Minnesota Vikings Quarterbacks Coach)
Klint Kubiak, the son of legendary coach Gary Kubiak, has spent time as both the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Kubiak’s offensive philosophy has been influenced by his father’s system, which focuses on a balanced offense with an emphasis on play-action and zone running.
Strong Points:
- Proven Offensive Scheme: Kubiak’s experience with his father’s system—known for its efficiency and balance—could help stabilize the Lions’ offense. His focus on leveraging play action and creating opportunities for big plays in the passing game would benefit Jared Goff, who excels when allowed to work off play action.
- Quarterback Development: Having worked with Vikings’ quarterbacks such as Kirk Cousins, Kubiak is adept at coaching up quarterbacks to maximize their potential. His familiarity with Goff’s skill set could result in an offense that takes advantage of the quarterback’s strengths.
- Run-First Mentality: Like his father’s system, Kubiak has a deep respect for a powerful, zone-based running game. His offensive lines often run-block effectively, and he could bring a sense of physicality to the Lions’ front that would complement players like David Montgomery and Gibbs.
- Track Record of Success: Kubiak’s time with the Vikings was marked by consistent offensive production. His ability to design plays that make defenses think on their feet makes him an intriguing candidate for the Lions.
Though Kubiak’s tenure as a coordinator has been relatively short, his ties to a proven offensive system and his experience coaching quarterbacks gives him a solid foundation to build a successful offense in Detroit.
5. Brian Johnson (Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator)
Brian Johnson’s meteoric rise in the NFL comes after serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped develop Jalen Hurts into one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. His experience under Shane Steichen in Philadelphia has positioned him as an attractive candidate for offensive coordinator roles.
Strong Points:
- Quarterback Development: Johnson’s ability to develop Hurts from a raw, dual-threat quarterback into an MVP candidate speaks volumes about his ability to coach up players. His experience with Hurts and his understanding of what makes quarterbacks successful could be pivotal for Jared Goff’s growth in Detroit.
- RPO and Modern Concepts: Johnson is a master of using modern NFL concepts such as the RPO to take advantage of a quarterback’s mobility and decision-making. While Goff is not a mobile quarterback, Johnson could adapt the system to take advantage of Goff’s strong decision-making and quick release.
- Experience with Elite Offense: As part of one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, Johnson has seen firsthand what it takes to be successful at the highest level. His ability to design explosive, high-scoring offenses would benefit the Lions, especially in a competitive NFC North division.
