Lions OC is a hot commodity

On January 14, 2025By Littum

The Detroit Lions have the best offense in the NFL both statistically and by the eye test, and it’s all orchestrated by offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Over his last three years at the helm of the Lions’ attack, Johnson has become notorious for a spot-on mix of snap football and timely trick plays that constantly keep opposing defenses on their heels.

The Lions led the NFL in points per game this year, scoring 33.2 per game, 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 with 27.1 points per possession. match.

All of this has made Johnson a very hot commodity on the coaching merry-go-round as the regular season winds down and teams at the bottom of the barrel in the NFL look for their next bailout.

Johnson has been interviewed by four teams so far, though one of those teams, the The New England Patriots have already landed on their next coach, hiring former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to lead the franchise.

That leaves three possible landing spots for Johnson, with the Chicago Bears and quarterback Caleb Williams often linked to the play-caller.

Johnson cannot be officially hired until the Lions finish the playoffs, whether they are eliminated or go all the way to the Super Bowl.

Here’s what we know:

Chicago Bears full interview with Ben Johnson during the Lions’ bye week

It’s the name Bears fans have been clamoring for since their offense sprung out of the gate to start Caleb Williams’ first season. Well, that one Bears have done their part in at least interviewing Johnson.

Despite spending the No. 1 overall pick on Williams last year and surrounding him with a solid mix of both veterans and young playmakers, the Bears finished 28th in scoring in the 2024 season. It was a huge disappointment after an offseason of buzz that Williams could land in “the best situation ever” for a rookie QB. That obviously turned out not to be the case.

Williams didn’t make the strides 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, in part because of his success in revitalizing Jared Goff’s career. Will the Bears give the fans what they want and hire an offensive mind from their own division?

Fans trick Bears QB Caleb Williams into thinking he’s getting a call from Ben Johnson

Don’t ask us how they did it…

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 apparently had Williams take a FaceTime call, at which point Williams found out he got it.

Williams was a good sport about the whole joke, even chuckling and telling fans it was “all good.”

And for those reading between the lines, Williams certainly didn’t seem all that upset about the prospect of having Johnson as his next head coach.

Ben Johnson interviews with the Patriots, but misses out in favor of Mike Vrabel

The moment the Patriots announced they were parting ways with Jerrod Mayo after one season, Vrabel appeared to be the favorite to take over in New England.

That didn’t stop Robert Kraft and the Patriots from doing their due diligence on Johnson. The The Patriots announced on social media on Friday, January 10 that they were conducting a virtual interview with Johnson. On Sunday, news had come out that the Patriots were going with Vrabel.

Jacksonville Jaguars interview Ben Johnson Saturday during bye

Add Jaguars to list of teams officially interested in hiring Johnson. But after last season, when Johnson infamously turned down an interview with the Washington Commanders, this fit feels more like the Jaguars might have to make it convincing.

Jacksonville has been a tough place to be a head coach 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 have Trevor Lawrence and a relatively winnable division to sell, but that could 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.

Las Vegas Raiders interview Ben Johnson with help from … Tom Brady?

The The Raiders reportedly interviewed Ben Johnson on Friday, January 9, but some believe they almost didn’t even get Johnson to do the interview.

The Raiders have been even more volatile than the Jaguars since the turn of the century at the head coaching spot, and when they hire their new coach, they will effectively be paying four separate coaches.

Still, Johnson decided to hear out the Raiders, despite the team not having a franchise quarterback or the stability a coach would look for. According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, the interview itself was an example of legendary quarterback Tom Brady. has as part of the Raiders’ ownership group.

Detroit Lions offensive lines under Ben Johnson in 2024

Points per games: 33.2 (1st)
Total yards per game: 409.5 (2nd)
rushing yards per games: 30.9 (6th)
Passing yards per games: 263.2 (2nd)
First down: 410 (1st)
Third down conversion rate: 47.6% (4th)
Fourth-down conversions: 22 (3rd)