The Detroit Lions are a football team on the rise, and one can argue that their recent success falls on another individual, apart from head coach Dan Campbell. This individual is offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. After Campbell was hired in 2021, he built a strong staff, aiming to compete again and rebuild the organization’s foundation from the ground up, following the departure of former head coach Matt Patricia.

The fiery new persona in charge, known as MC/DC (Motor City Dan Campbell), retained tight ends coach Johnson in the same role. Shortly after the season began, it became clear that offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn was struggling with the team’s offensive performance. His role gradually decreased before he was eventually fired after the season. Campbell and Johnson collaborated with the offense to end the year, and the production significantly improved.

While the Lions are having their best season since the days of John F. Kennedy, one of their key masterminds behind this recent rejuvenation could leave in the offseason to become a head coach of an organization. Greg Patuto of FFSN wrote in an article that his Washington Commanders could hire Johnson as their next head coach, placing him as a top priority. Patuto said

There is always one main candidate each year and Ben Johnson seems to be taking over that title early on. The Lions have built the offense through the line and with Jared Goff under center. Amon-Ra St. Brown is a legitimate No. 1 receiver and Sam LaPorta has developed quickly at tight end. Johnson will have plenty of offers this offseason from teams looking for a new coach. He is the type of offensive mind that Washington would benefit from, especially Howell. It is unknown if there will be interest from Johnson, or even Washington at this point, but he will have to be an option moving forward. (4 Head Coach Candidates for Washington Commanders to Replace Ron Rivera, Greg Patuto 2023). 

Johnson’s development of the rookie offensive weapons this season, such as tight end Sam LaPorta, along with his key understanding of putting players in winnable situations through the scheme, makes him a prime candidate for the Commanders. Other options for Johnson include the Carolina Panthers, to help rookie quarterback Bryce Young improve upon his lackluster production. (Young: 231 Completions | 381 Attempts | 60.6 CPMT% | 2,055 Yards | 9 TDs | 9 INTs – as of 12/3/2023)

Johnson has maintained Jared Goff’s numbers each year he has been coordinator and from 2021, the year that he was not the main man in charge, Goff’s numbers were less productive. Johnson has a knack for putting players in the best possible situation to succeed, making him a perfect match for former Heisman quarterback Bryce Young, who has struggled to find his groove.

Goff Statistics 2021 (Anthony Lynn OC): 

332 Completions | 494 Attempts | 67.2 CMPT% | 3,245 Yards | 19 TDs | 8 INTs

Goff Statistics 2022 (Ben Johnson OC): 

382 Completions | 587 Attempts | 65.1 CMPT% | 4,438 Yards | 29 TDs | 7 INTs

Goff Statistics 2023 (Ben Johnson OC): 

291 Completions | 430 Attempts | 67.7 CMPT% | 3,288 Yards | 20 TDs | 8 INTs

*statistics are as of 12/3/2023 

Comparing the Numbers:

In the 2021 season, with Anthony Lynn, Dan Campbell, and Ben Johnson operating as offensive coordinators/ collaborative assistants, Jared Goff managed 19 touchdowns to 8 interceptions and threw for 3,245 yards. The following year under Johnson, Goff improved on his touchdown to interception ratio by throwing for 29 touchdowns – an increase of 10 – and one fewer interception. The Lions started the season with a 1-6 record but ended up winning 8 out of the last 10 games, finishing just one game shy from reaching the playoffs with a 9-8 winning record. So far in 2023, with now five games left, Goff is on track to beat his 2022 statistics, posting his highest completion percentage since joining the team.

Coach Johnson’s Next Stop: Head Coach:

Without a doubt, coach Johnson will be a head football coach in the National Football League. The question is whether or not he wants to stay another year like 2022, or if he believes his journey has prepared him to lead one of the 32 NFL franchises.

Potential Stops:

• Carolina Panthers | Improve Bryce Young’s Production
• Washington Commanders | Take a talented offense even a step further
• Chicago Bears | Justin Fields and/or Caleb Williams? Either will need a boost in the right direction
• Los Angeles Chargers | Maybe but they already have an offensive “guru” in Kellen Moore
• New England Patriots | Long shot in my opinion

After the Saints game in week 13, the Lions broke a franchise single-season record for their offense.

The @Lions have set a single-season record by producing 325+ total net yards for the 12th-straight game.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/SeT3i8n9NM

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) December 3, 2023

Johnson’s impact on the Detroit Lions should not go unnoticed, and his departure may be more significant than many realize. Until then, Johnson, Campbell, and the rest of the team will aim to build upon their 9-3 record and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.