Threat to Hire Lions' Ben Johnson Shockingly Drops Out of the Race
The Detroit Lions finished the regular season with a 15-2 record. For the first time in team history, Detroit earned the No. 1 seed in the conference and will have a first-round bye. The NFC postseason will run through Ford Field, giving them a massive advantage.
The Lions are seeking to secure their first-ever Super Bowl with the players and coaches they have in the building. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn are two hot names this coaching cycle and will garner interest across the league.
On Monday, the Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the New York Jets aren't expected to put in a formal request to interview Johnson but are expected to have interest in Glenn.
The New York Jets are not expected to put in a formal request for Lions OC Ben Johnson. They are expected to have interest in Lions DC Aaron Glenn.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 6, 2025
Lions News: New York Jets Won’t Interview Ben Johnson
This shouldn't come as a shocker though. Per Connor Hughes of SNY, Johnson doesn't have interest in New York's opening and "made that known." That led to New York not even putting in a request to interview the 38-year-old.
Lions OC Ben Johnson does not have interest in the Jets' head coaching job and has "made that known," reports @Connor_J_Hughes
— Jets Videos (@snyjets) January 6, 2025
The Jets are not expected to put in a formal request to interview Johnson pic.twitter.com/XKoIMGqVLd
Johnson has some requirements that he wants in a new location. First off, he wants a team that will create alignment between the head coach and general manager. Secondly, he wants to work with an owner who is willing to identify the team's weaknesses and address them.
There have been constant rumors surrounding the Jets and their ownership this season. Woody Johnson is known for being a compulsive and meddling owner. That isn't the type of environment that is enticing to Johnson. He's known for being one of the best coordinators in the league, so he'll be very cautious with his choices.
Just last offseason, Johnson decided not to take any of the available head coaching opportunities and head back to Detroit.
With one less option available for Johnson, the choices are limited to the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and potentially the Dallas Cowboys.
We'll have to see if Johnson is open to any of these locations. Since the Lions clinched the No. 1 seed, coordinators can complete virtual interviews by Jan. 13.
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