Could a blank-check offer lure Ben Johnson away from Detroit, or will the offensive coordinator remain committed to the Lions?
As the NFL’s head coach hiring season approaches, all eyes are on Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ highly regarded offensive coordinator. After pulling himself out of head coaching contention during back-to-back cycles, Johnson’s future remains uncertain. However, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently pointed out, Johnson is incredibly selective about the opportunity he would be willing to take. The possibility of a “Godfather”-style offer—a blank-check proposition that could change everything—may hold the key to Johnson’s decision. But is there a team that could truly tempt him to leave a comfortable position in Detroit?
A Selective Approach to Head Coaching
Johnson’s selective approach to coaching opportunities was highlighted during a recent discussion on ESPN’s Get Up. Schefter shared insight into Johnson’s thinking, particularly about potential opportunities in divisional rivals like the Chicago Bears. “Ben Johnson’s gonna be very, very selective about the place that he chooses to go, if he decides even to leave Detroit,” Schefter explained. “He’s gonna be very careful.”
What’s clear is that Johnson is not eager to leave Detroit unless the right opportunity presents itself. This sentiment is reflected in his decision to pull out of interviews for head coaching roles in two consecutive years. While Johnson has garnered significant interest from other teams, he is waiting for the right fit—a place that offers not just a title but also a long-term vision and stability.
The “Godfather”-Style Offer: Will It Work?
Despite Johnson’s apparent contentment with his role in Detroit, some believe that an enticing offer could change his mind. Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post pointed to the Jacksonville Jaguars as a potential suitor, especially if the team moves on from their current head coach. Jacksonville’s mix of talent—including the promising, though injured, quarterback Trevor Lawrence—could prove alluring to Johnson. However, as La Canfora suggests, it’s not just about the team’s potential; it’s about the kind of offer that would make Johnson consider a move.
A “Godfather”-style offer would likely involve more than just a high salary; it would need to come with a commitment to build a winning program around him. Johnson is not the type to jump at a head coaching role simply for the prestige. As Schefter noted, “just because, let’s just say, there’s eight openings this year, and let’s just say, eight teams have him in their wish list, doesn’t mean he’s going to be interviewing with eight teams.” Johnson’s next move will depend on whether the offer aligns with his long-term goals and values.
The Pay Raise and the Big Decision
If anything, Johnson’s decision to stay in Detroit has been rewarded financially. After pulling out of the head coaching race previously, he received a significant pay raise, and likely another bump this year. However, there’s a key difference between being a well-paid coordinator and taking on the responsibility of a head coach—even a high-paying one. The pressure, expectations, and public scrutiny that come with a head coaching role may outweigh the appeal of a bigger paycheck.
Ultimately, Johnson’s future could come down to whether the right situation arises. For all of Jacksonville’s potential, will the team’s offering—financial or otherwise—be compelling enough to pull him away from the Lions? Only time will tell, but the looming head coach hiring cycle may test Johnson’s loyalty to his current position.
