The Reason the Lions Coach May Have Already Said ‘No’ to Ben Johnson Joining the Cowboys
The possibility of Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson leaving for another job, especially with the Dallas Cowboys, has been a topic of widespread speculation in the NFL.
One of the most prominent rumors suggests that Johnson could be in line for the Cowboys’ head coaching position.
However, reports suggest that Johnson may have already ruled out this opportunity before it ever gained traction.
Johnson has been upfront about what he values when considering a potential job change.
According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, there are three major factors that could deter Johnson from pursuing a job, including one with the Cowboys:
1. Genuine Interest: Johnson is clear that he will only entertain job offers he is truly interested in, rather than engaging in interviews for the sake of formalities.
He wants to ensure that any opportunity aligns with his goals and aspirations.
2. Organizational Fit:
He places great emphasis on the alignment between the general manager and head coach, seeking a well-structured, cohesive organization. For Johnson, having both roles working in tandem to build a winning team is crucial.
3. Accountability: Johnson is looking for an organization that recognizes its past mistakes and is actively working to improve.
He values a culture of accountability and transparency, indicating that he would be hesitant to join a team where issues are ignored or swept under the rug.
These preferences could be problematic for the Cowboys, who have faced ongoing instability in their leadership and front-office dynamics in recent years.
Jesse Holley, a former Cowboys player and current media personality, shared his thoughts on social media regarding Johnson’s potential fit with the Cowboys.
Holley highlighted Johnson’s focus on organizational structure and accountability, suggesting that this may not align with the current state of the Cowboys.
While Johnson’s name has surfaced as a possible candidate for the Cowboys’ head coach job, his high standards for organizational alignment and accountability could mean that Dallas was never a serious option for him.
Whether or not the Cowboys actively pursued Johnson remains unclear, but it seems likely that he has already dismissed the idea of taking over the team.
As the Lions push toward the playoffs, Johnson’s future remains uncertain, though his impact on the team’s offensive success has been undeniable.
His coaching career will continue to be one to watch in the years to come.