Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson ‘intrigued’ by one head coach opening

The Detroit Lions boast one of the NFL’s most prolific offenses, as the unit leads the league in points per game (32.1), and are second in yards per game (408.6) behind the Baltimore Ravens (424.2). Though players such as quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown are significant reasons for the group’s success, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the mastermind behind the whole operation.

Johnson took over as Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022, and the South Carolina native has established himself as arguably the best assistant coach in football and a premier head coaching candidate. A bunch of organizations will target Johnson to be their next head coach, but a report that came out on Saturday may have signaled which head coaching vacancy the 38-year-old is eyeing this offseason.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Johnson is ‘intrigued’ by the Chicago Bears head coaching job and is going to listen if the franchise calls. The Bears fired Matt Eberflus as head coach on Nov.29.

“One name that is expected to be part of the process: coveted Lions OC Ben Johnson, who is intrigued by the job and is going to listen.”

Rapoport and Pelissero also stated in their report that Chicago will keep its options open and that there are a few more candidates who could be strong contenders for the job.

“But the Bears aren’t locked in on anything yet. They want someone who embodies the city of Chicago at a critical time for the franchise to set itself up for years to come. Other names to watch include: Mike Vrabel, Vikings DC Brian Flores and Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury, among many others.”

It’s evident that there is some interest between the Bears and Johnson, as ESPN’s Eric Woodyard and Courtney Cronin reported on Dec.22 that the Lions’ offensive coordinator is expected to interview for Chicago’s head coaching position in the offseason.

Losing Johnson, especially to a division rival, would be a major blow to Detroit. Dan Campbell could also lose defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn this offseason, as Glenn has established himself as a potential head coaching candidate due to Detroit’s defensive improvement in 2024.

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