Ben Johnson, now in his third season as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is quickly becoming a rising star in the coaching world. After two successful seasons leading the Lions’ offense, Johnson’s name is frequently mentioned as a top candidate for potential head coaching positions. The Lions’ offense, which has been rejuvenated under his guidance, was expected to achieve even greater success. Fast forward to 2024, and Johnson’s performance as a play-caller has further cemented his reputation as one of the most highly sought-after head coaching candidates in the NFL.

Although the prospect of losing Johnson poses a challenge, the Lions have a capable internal candidate ready to step up: Tanner Engstrand. Engstrand, in his fifth season with the team and his second as passing game coordinator, has been instrumental in the Lions’ offensive resurgence.

Why Tanner Engstrand Makes Sense as Johnson’s Successor

Consistency and Familiarity

Maintaining a high-performing offense requires consistency, and Engstrand has spent the past few seasons working closely with head coach Dan Campbell and Johnson, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the team’s offensive philosophy. Promoting Engstrand would ensure the offensive system Ben Johnson built remains intact, minimizing disruption to the team’s offensive flow.

Experience and Background

While Tanner Engstrand has not yet served as a play-caller at the NFL level, he brings significant experience in offensive coordination. Before joining the Lions, Engstrand was the offensive coordinator at the University of San Diego, where he earned a strong reputation for his innovative strategies and ability to maximize player performance. He also served as the offensive coordinator for the D.C. Defenders in the XFL, gaining additional experience at the professional level. This experience equips him with the skills needed to step into an NFL coordinator role without missing a beat.

The Lions’ Offensive Success Under Engstrand

Engstrand’s impact as passing game coordinator has been crucial to the Lions’ success. In 2023, the Lions ranked second in the NFL in passing yards with 4,401 net yards, tied for fourth with 30 passing touchdowns, and ranked fifth in yards-per-attempt (7.60). The team also set franchise records for total net yards (6,712) and total touchdowns (58). These achievements highlight Engstrand’s ability to contribute to a high-powered offense. Through the first 10 games of the 2024 season, the Lions boast the No. 1 ranked offense in the league, further solidifying Engstrand’s credentials.

A Smooth Transition for Jared Goff and the Offense

A key benefit of promoting Tanner Engstrand is the smooth transition it would provide for quarterback Jared Goff and the rest of the offense. Goff has thrived under Ben Johnson’s leadership, and Engstrand’s promotion would ensure he continues working within a system he is comfortable with. This continuity is essential for maintaining the offense’s high level of performance, especially as the Lions aim for championship contention.

The Case for Keeping the Lions’ Offensive Momentum Going

Should Ben Johnson leave for a head coaching opportunity, Engstrand would be the logical choice to keep the offense on track. His deep knowledge of the system, coupled with his proven success, makes him an ideal candidate to take over. Hiring an external candidate could risk disrupting the established chemistry, particularly with a quarterback like Goff, who thrives on familiarity and consistency.

Promoting Tanner Engstrand would allow the Lions to maintain the offensive continuity that has been critical to their success, while also providing a coach who fully understands the players’ strengths and weaknesses. In an era where offensive consistency often determines success or failure, promoting Engstrand would be a wise decision for Detroit’s future.