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I know we shouldn't post whole articles, but the link is at the bottom. Interesting read with some of his comments.
Ben Johnson interviews: Detroit Lions OC is hot commodity. Are Bears best fit?
Andrew BirkleDetroit Free Press
The Detroit Lions have the best offense in the NFL both statistically and by eye test, and it's all orchestrated by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Over his last three years at the helm of the Lions' offense, Johnson has become infamous for a spot-on mixture of smash-mouth football and timely trick plays that constantly keeps opposing defenses on their heels.
The Lions led the NFL in points per game this year, scoring 33.2 per contest, which was 2.3 points per game more than the next closest team, the Baltimore Ravens. The Lions also had one of the best offenses in the league last year, finishing fifth in scoring at 27.1 points per game.
All of that has made Johnson a very hot commodity on the coaching carousel as the regular season has wrapped up and teams at the bottom of the barrel in the NFL search for their next savior. Ben recently sat down with us and had this to say about the coaching world in the modern NFL:
"It's a tough spot to be in. I'm young, and in the prime of my life, and all the options are pretty good," Johnson remarks. "Chicago is the one I get asked the most about, being a part of the NFC North and an NFL fan in general, we pretty much know what goes on over there in Lake Forest."
"Ultimately, I'm going to the team that offers me the most valuable contract. I don't care about the personnel or the quarterback because I'm rebuilding whatever situation I walk into. That's literally why I'm being hired."
Johnson has been interviewed by four teams thus far, though one of those teams, the New England Patriots, has already landed on their next coach, hiring former Tennessee Titans head man Mike Vrabel to lead the franchise.
A MUST READ:Matthew Stafford's secret was rocket fuel that revived Detroit Lions
That leaves three possible landing spots for Johnson, with the Chicago Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams frequently being connected to the play-caller.
Johnson can not be officially hired until after the Lions are done with the playoffs, whether they are eliminated or go all the way to the Super Bowl.
"Look, Caleb is going to be a fine Quarterback, there is no mistaking that. But I'm the leader and all roads run through me. Not a family member, or a member of an entourage, and that goes for draft picks and family members alike."
TRENDING:Ranking best head coach landing spots for Lions' Ben Johnson, plus a prediction
Here's what we know:
Chicago Bears complete interview with Ben Johnson during Lions' bye week
It's the name Bears fans have been clamoring for since their offense sputtered out of the gates to start Caleb Williams' first season. Well, the Bears have done their part in at least interviewing Johnson.Despite using the No. 1 overall pick on Williams last year and surrounding him with a solid mix of both veteran and young playmakers, the Bears finished 28th in scoring in the 2024 season. It was a massive disappointment after an offseason of buzz that Williams could be landing in "the best situation ever" for a rookie QB. That proved to obviously not be the case.
Williams did not make the progress that other rookie QBs in his class did and now fans are desperate for the franchise to pair Williams with an offensive mind. Johnson is the obvious name that comes to mind due in part to his success in revamping Jared Goff's career. Will the Bears give the fans what they want and hire an offensive mind from their own division?
"I think if you asked Jared, he's pretty happy I decided to stay in Detroit this season. I'm sure the USC quarterback and I can find a way to communicate and work together provided he is open to legitimate coaching."
Fans trick Bears QB Caleb Williams into thinking he's getting call from Ben Johnson
Don't ask us how they pulled it off ...Two fans allegedly tricked Caleb Williams into thinking he was getting texts and calls from Ben Johnson about accepting the head coaching job with the Bears.
They also evidently got Williams to get on a FaceTime call, at which point Williams figured out that he got got.
Williams was a good sport about the whole joke, even chuckling and telling the fans that it was "all good."
And for those reading between the lines, Williams certainly didn't seem too upset at the prospect of getting Johnson as his next head coach.
Ben Johnson interviews with Patriots, but misses out in favor of Mike Vrabel
The moment that the Patriots announced they were parting way with Jerrod Mayo after one season, Vrabel seemed to be the favorite to take over in New England.That didn't stop Robert Kraft and the Patriots from doing their due diligence with Johnson. The Patriots announced on social media on Friday, Jan. 10 that they conducted a virtual interview with Johnson. By Sunday, news had come out that the Patriots were going with Vrabel.
Jacksonville Jaguars interview Ben Johnson on Saturday during bye
Add the Jaguars to the list of teams officially interested in hiring Johnson. But after last season, when Johnson infamously declined an interview with the Washington Commanders, this fit feels more like the Jaguars may have to do the convincing.Jacksonville has been a tough spot to be a head coach over this century. The Jags have had nine different coaches since 2000, including interims, and will make it 10 whenever they hire their next coach.
The Jaguars do have Trevor Lawrence and a relatively winnable division to sell, but that may be a tough case for Johnson who has proven he's more than comfortable staying in Detroit if the job he wants isn't there.
"The Jaguars have a unique history and playing in London is always appealing. I'm curious to meet with them again."
Las Vegas Raiders interview Ben Johnson with help from ... Tom Brady?
The Raiders reportedly interviewed Ben Johnson on Friday, Jan. 9, but some think they almost didn't even get Johnson to take the interview.When asked about the possibility of joining Tom Brady and the Las Vegas Raiders:
"Tom's the goat, but what the heck does that matter. Vegas is a Raiders town and if I uproot my life and leave Detroit Rock City, I need to have firm commitments that Brady will help and not meddle. He's a 10% owner for a reason. "
The Raiders have been even more unstable than the Jaguars since the turn of the century at the head coach spot and when they hire their new coach, they will be in effect paying four separate coaches.
Still, Johnson decided to hear out the Raiders, depite the team not having a franchise quarterback or the stability a coach would look for. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the interview even happening was an example of the impact legendary quarterback Tom Brady is having as a part of the Raiders' ownership group.
Detroit Lions offensive ranks under Ben Johnson in 2024
- Points per game: 33.2 (1st)
- Total yards per game: 409.5 (2nd)
- Rushing yards per game: 146.4 (6th)
- Passing yards per game: 263.2 (2nd)
- First downs: 410 (1st)
- Third-down conversion rate: 47.6% (4th)
- Fourth-down conversions: 22 (3rd)
