Ben Johnson Inches Closer to Lions Exit in New Comments

Detroit Lions head coach Ben Johnson appears poised to become an NFL head coach very soon, especially with Detroit’s success over the last two years. 

Johnson’s name has been mentioned heavily in the coaching carousel over the last two years, including last year when he interviewed with five teams. The Lions offensive coordinator decided to withdraw his name from the Washington Commanders’ head coaching vacancy, which caught many people off guard.

However, it appears that decision has worked well for the Commanders and Lions. Nonetheless, the Lions OC will be in high demand with the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints likely looking for new head coaches.

On Thursday, Johnson talked about his desire to become an NFL coach one day, and it sounds like the Lions may need to prepare for his exit.

"I'd say I'm much more prepared than I was the last two years, Johnson said (h/t Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network). “Now that I've been through the wringer a couple times, had some interviews, I certainly do feel more prepared, just from a big-picture standpoint...I think there's a burning desire in every man to find out what he's made out of and push the limits and see if he's got what it takes. Yeah, there's a fire there."

With Johnson already going through the interview process/cycle twice, it only makes sense for him to feel more confident about his skills and what it takes to be a head coach.

He was in the running for the Commanders’ job last year and was considered the favorite for the Panthers’ head coach vacancy in 2022. However, Johnson reportedly declined an in-person interview with Carolina.

The 38-year-old coordinator is considered one of the most creative and best offensive minds in the NFL and has found a way to reignite Jared Goff’s career.

With all that being said, could Johnson decide to stay in the Motor City for another year? Yes, and Lions fans would love for that to happen. Detroit has become one of the best teams in the NFC and a perennial contender. However, with the potential head coach openings on the horizon, this might be the perfect time for Johnson to make that leap.

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