As the Detroit Lions continue to make waves in the NFL with their dynamic offense, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson took a moment to acknowledge the success of his coaching staff and the execution of unique plays that have captured attention. One play, known as the “stumblebum,” has stood out, and during a recent press conference, Johnson was quick to give credit to his assistants for the creativity behind it.

Coaching Staff Behind the Creativity

Johnson began by commending his assistants, especially Assistant Wide Receivers Coach Seth Ryan, Assistant Offensive Line Coach Steve Oliver, and Assistant Quarterbacks Coach J.T. Barrett, for their contributions to the team’s success with special plays. He noted that these coaches have been crucial in not just this season but in recent years, consistently bringing fresh ideas that have been pivotal to the team’s performance.

“We’ve had two seasons of being really top 5 in a lot of major categories, and I thought for sure a number of those guys would have more interest in getting poached and going elsewhere, but we were very fortunate that they were all coming back,” Johnson shared. “I think we’ve got position coaches that are future coordinators and future head coaches, and I think we’ve got some really good young coaches that will be ready to be position coaches sooner rather than later.”

He then emphasized the efforts of his assistants, particularly in overseeing the “specials,” or trick plays. These plays, like the memorable “stumblebum” trick play, reflect their creativity and ability to execute unconventional strategies.

The Success of the “Stumblebum” Play

The “stumblebum” play, which surprised both fans and analysts, was the result of the dedication and innovative thinking of Ryan, Oliver, and Barrett. Johnson explained how every coach on the staff is responsible for a particular area, and those managing special plays have excelled in turning these ideas into successful executions.

“They have a ton of creativity, they bring a lot of ideas to the table,” Johnson noted. “It’s pretty cool to see it all come to life.” The play, which led to a touchdown in a pivotal game, was a prime example of the Lions’ ability to perform unexpected and effective strategies in crucial moments.

Mentorship and Development of Coaching Staff

Johnson also discussed his role in mentoring his assistant coaches and guiding them toward future leadership positions. While the focus during the season is on players and opponents, Johnson prioritizes helping his staff grow and preparing them for opportunities ahead.

“Once you get into the season, it gets a little bit harder to think about that, your focus is solely on the players and the opponent at hand, but in the offseason, a lot of thought goes into developing the staff, what’s going to help them grow as coaches,” Johnson explained. “That professional development is a huge part of what we do.”

Looking Forward to More Innovation

As the Lions continue their playoff journey, the creativity and leadership within the coaching staff will remain crucial to their success. With plays like the “stumblebum” trick play, the Lions are proving they can execute unconventional strategies with precision. As Johnson guides the offense, the team’s ability to innovate and adapt will likely play a significant role in their Super Bowl aspirations.

The collaboration between Johnson and his staff has certainly paid off, and the Lions are well-positioned to make noise not only this season but in the years ahead, as they continue to develop both players and coaches.