After opting out of head coaching interviews for the second straight year last season, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson emphasized he wasn’t in a rush to leave his current role.
As this year’s hiring cycle approaches, reports suggest Johnson’s approach remains cautious. He reportedly won’t entertain interviews for jobs he has no intention of accepting, prioritizing organizational alignment akin to what he has experienced in Detroit, from ownership to the coaching staff.
Some believe Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn might leave for a head coaching position before Johnson does. Specifically, Glenn could secure a head coaching role after this season, while Johnson opts to stay in Detroit for another year.
Johnson has stated he feels better prepared for this year’s interview process compared to the past two years. He has also been more open about his ambition to become a head coach someday.
The Risk of Waiting
Finding the right head coaching opportunity is far from an exact science. Teams in need of a new head coach often come with significant challenges that are not easily resolved. Johnson has previously highlighted the impatience of NFL owners and the short tenure many new head coaches face, a major factor in his hesitancy to leave a stable situation in Detroit.
However, if Johnson wants to become a head coach, he will eventually have to take that leap.
In a recent analysis of potential head coaching opportunities by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, Graziano suggested a scenario involving the New England Patriots as a potential fit for Johnson.
“If New England did come open, might Johnson want to go work with quarterback Drake Maye and the haul of draft picks the Pats can likely acquire for this year’s No. 1 pick? Johnson has been choosy and has made it clear he’s not going to leave the excellent situation he’s currently in with the Lions for just any old coaching job. If he stays put in Detroit for a third straight season, it could hurt his head coaching aspirations long term, but some of these situations aren’t exactly set up for success.”
Johnson’s status as a top head coaching candidate will likely remain intact as long as he stays with the Lions. However, teams may eventually doubt his willingness to leave Detroit, which could hurt his chances down the line.
While it may not be logical for teams to discount him for staying put, Graziano’s point about the potential long-term impact on Johnson’s aspirations is valid. Still, if there isn’t an ideal opportunity this year, Johnson might take that risk and remain with the Lions for another season.
