When discussing the upcoming head coach cycle for 2025, every conversation starts with Ben Johnson. The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator is a core reason for the team's incredible rise to success over the past three years. Now he has them on course to lock up the #1 seed in the playoffs and become favorites for the Super Bowl. The Chicago Bears are angling for a new head coach after firing Matt Eberflus two weeks ago. Johnson feels like an obvious target. Is he worth it? Let's dive into his scouting report to find out.
Ben Johnson is the hottest name for good reasons.
Background:
Johnson spent his playing career in football as a quarterback, attending the University of North Carolina, where he was mostly a backup. His far more impressive accomplishment was obtaining two degrees, one in mathematics and another in computer science. With a nudge from his offensive coordinator, John Shoop, he decided to delve into coaching. He spent three years at Boston College before rapidly jumping to the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. He would stay there despite a head coaching change from 2012 through 2018, coaching the quarterbacks, tight ends, and wide receivers. That helped him get an assistant job in Detroit. After working with the tight ends for two years, he became passing game coordinator in 2021 and then offensive coordinator in 2022. Since then, the Lions offense has finished at least 5th in scoring and 4th in total yards every year.
Mentors:
It started with college coaching legend Butch Davis, who built the iconic 2001 Miami Hurricanes team. Upon reaching the NFL, names like Joe Philbin, Adam Gase, Matt Patricia, and now Dan Campbell have taught Johnson various lessons about what to do (and not to do) as a future head coach. He clearly doesn't have the glittering background of working with several all-timers. Still, the young assistant showed an ability to persevere through difficult times and excel on the other side.
Pros:
- Extremely sharp offensive mind. Shows a constant ability to adapt and exploit opposing defenses.
- Highly balanced offensive scheme. Legitimately runs the ball as much as he throws.
- Elevates his quarterback. Jared Goff's passer rating with Johnson (101.1) is better than his run with Sean McVay.
- Delivers in the clutch. Lions have 10 game-winning drives since the start of 2022.
Cons:
- Leadership questions. He's never had to command a room in his career as a coach or a player.
- Having only coached for two teams, his list of contacts for staff-building might be small.
- How much of his success is attributed to that talented, well-coached offensive line?
- Has never developed a young quarterback.
Comparison: Jon Gruden
Keep in mind that this does not account for personality. It is about background. Gruden was a young, ascending offensive coordinator with Philadelphia over a three-year period before getting his first head coaching gig with the Oakland Raiders. He would eventually turn them into AFC contenders before the Raiders traded him to Tampa Bay. This season is the third for Ben Johnson as offensive coordinator in Detroit. He is only three years older than Gruden. Both did their best work with veteran QBs. It will be interesting if Johnson commands a room as the eventual Super Bowl champion did.
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