The NFL is known for its dramatic coaching changes, and as each season progresses, rumors about coaches on the hot seat intensify.

For some, the jump from coordinator to head coach feels like a natural career step, while for others, it comes down to seizing the right opportunity.

One coach whose name has been frequently mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate is Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator. If given the chance to step up, the question becomes: where might Johnson go?

Recently, Johnson has been identified as a strong candidate for the head coaching job with the Cincinnati Bengals, should they part ways with their current head coach, Zac Taylor.

The reasoning behind this potential move is simple—Johnson would take over a team with one of the NFL’s brightest young quarterbacks, Joe Burrow, which is a huge draw for any coaching candidate.

The Appeal of the Cincinnati Job

One key argument for Johnson’s potential move to Cincinnati is that the Bengals’ job could offer him an unparalleled opportunity compared to other head coaching vacancies in 2024.

With Burrow under center, the Bengals are poised to be an AFC contender.

While the competition in the AFC is fierce, with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills standing in the way, having a top-tier quarterback like Burrow could be the difference-maker.

If Cincinnati were to make a coaching change, Johnson would step into a prime position to further enhance his career, building upon his success as an offensive coordinator.

Johnson’s ability to work with quarterbacks would be key in this new role.

While it would be a challenge to develop any quarterback, coaching Burrow—a proven star and one of the league’s best signal-callers—would give Johnson a significant advantage.

The opportunity to mentor such a talented player would make the Bengals’ head coaching job one of the most appealing positions in the NFL.

Would Ben Johnson Leave Detroit?

That said, the big question is whether Johnson would actually leave Detroit for a head coaching position.

While nothing is set in stone, there are arguments for him staying with the Lions.

Woodruff suggests that if the Bengals’ job does not open up, Johnson may decide to remain in Detroit for another season.

The Lions’ offense has been thriving under his leadership, and Johnson has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Jared Goff and the rest of the offense.

Detroit’s rise in recent seasons has been one of the NFL’s most exciting stories, and leaving that culture could be a difficult decision for Johnson.

However, if Johnson were to leave, the opportunity to work with a quarterback like Burrow would likely be a major factor in his decision.

Should the Bengals move on from Taylor, Johnson would inherit an offense led by one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks.

This would give him an immediate chance to shape the Bengals into one of the most potent offensive units in the league.

Johnson’s rapid rise from a position coach to a potential NFL head coach has been impressive, and landing a job like Cincinnati’s would be a major career milestone.

In an era where quarterback play is central to success, having the chance to coach Burrow could accelerate Johnson’s development as a leader.

Whether or not this opportunity materializes in Cincinnati or elsewhere, Johnson’s name will continue to be one to watch in the NFL coaching search for years to come.