Ben Johnson’s Rising Star and a Potential Head Coaching Destination That Could Be Perfect

The Detroit Lions’ offense has been a revelation under coordinator Ben Johnson. With innovative play designs and a knack for maximizing his players’ strengths, Johnson has drawn attention as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL. It’s no surprise, then, that his name is once again being floated as a top candidate for head coaching opportunities.

But Johnson’s approach to career moves has always been deliberate. He’s not in a rush to leave a great situation in Detroit unless the stars align. Lions head coach Dan Campbell knows the reality of having talented staff members—eventually, other teams come calling. Campbell has spoken openly about how he doesn’t expect to keep his coaching staff together forever, and with Johnson’s stock soaring, the Lions could face that reality sooner rather than later.

As Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently pointed out, Johnson isn’t likely to jump at just any opening. Instead, he’ll be looking for a situation where the foundation for success is already in place. Orr summarized what Johnson might value most in a head coaching job:

“A good roster, a patient owner, and a quarterback he can win with.”

That sounds like the dream scenario for any coach. But here’s the catch—teams meeting those criteria rarely have coaching vacancies, as their stability tends to keep them out of the NFL’s chaotic hiring carousel. So, where might such a rare opportunity arise?

 A Sneaky Potential Fit

Cory Woodruff of USA TODAY’s For The Win recently speculated on head coaching changes across the league. One surprising prediction stood out: the Cincinnati Bengals firing Zac Taylor and hiring Ben Johnson.

At first glance, it might seem odd to envision Taylor on the hot seat. After all, he’s taken the Bengals to a Super Bowl and an AFC Championship Game in recent years. But with the Bengals now sitting at 4-7 heading into their bye week, the cracks in Taylor’s tenure are starting to show. Even more concerning, two of the team’s best players, quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, have expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s performance, indirectly turning up the heat on Taylor.

For Johnson, Cincinnati would check all the right boxes. Woodruff explained it succinctly:

“Johnson’s options for jobs on this list pale in comparison to what he could inherit in Cincinnati. Having an elite quarterback in Joe Burrow would make the Bengals a dream destination if the team parts ways with Taylor.”

Burrow is the kind of franchise quarterback most coaches can only dream of working with. Add to that a roster loaded with talent and a franchise that has proven it can compete in the AFC, and it’s easy to see why the Bengals could be a highly coveted destination.

The Zac Taylor Factor

Of course, there’s a significant hurdle to this scenario: Bengals owner Mike Brown. Known for his frugal approach, Brown isn’t the type to fire a coach and pay them not to work. Taylor is under contract through 2026, and any decision to part ways with him would come with financial implications Brown may not be eager to face.

Still, if the Bengals finish this season with double-digit losses—a distinct possibility—their current trajectory may force Brown’s hand. With only two playoff appearances likely over six seasons, including five with Joe Burrow, Taylor’s performance would be seen as underwhelming in most NFL organizations.

If Brown does decide to make a change, Johnson would likely leap to the top of their list. His ability to craft an offense tailored to his players’ strengths would be a perfect match for a team built around Burrow, Chase, and a strong supporting cast.

What’s Next for Johnson?

Whether the Bengals job becomes available or not, Johnson’s criteria for a head coaching role seem clear. He won’t settle for a team in chaos or a quarterback situation in flux. He wants a setup that offers him a real chance to succeed—a good roster, a supportive ownership group, and a quarterback who can help him win.

For now, Johnson remains focused on helping the Lions continue their impressive season. But the offseason is fast approaching, and if the right opportunity comes along, Detroit may soon be searching for a new offensive coordinator.

One thing is certain: when Ben Johnson does make the leap, it will be on his terms. And if Cincinnati ends up being the landing spot, it’s hard to imagine a better fit for both sides.