NFL Rumors: Insiders Feel Ben Johnson May Stay with Lions; HC Talk Isn’t ‘Leverage’

Doric SamJanuary 9, 2025

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Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the most coveted coaching candidates on the market for the third straight year, but he reportedly could choose to remain in his current role once again.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that it’s not guaranteed that Johnson will take a head coaching position this time around, as he’s historically shown resistance to parting ways with the Lions.

“Some people I talked to in the league believe Johnson could return to Detroit. And it doesn’t seem like a leverage play,” Fowler stated. “That’s where he has been the past two cycles, and that could be the case again if his ideal head coaching destination isn’t there.”

Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported Wednesday that Johnson scheduled virtual interviews with the Las Vegas Raiders and New England Patriots on Friday and the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday. Each team carries their own level of intrigue, but Johnson has never been in a rush to make the transition from offensive coordinator to head coach.

The 38-year-old told Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press in May that he won’t leave Detroit unless he finds the right situation.

“I’m not going to do it just to do it. I love what I’m doing right now. Love it. Love it. I love where I’m at. My family loves where we’re at,” Johnson said. “Love the people that we’re doing it with, and so I’m not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it’s going to unfold.”

If Johnson chooses to leave teams at the altar once again this hiring cycle, many fans will be disappointed about missing the chance to have one of the most innovative offensive minds coaching their squad.