The Detroit Lions and the Ben Johnson Dilemma: Will He Stay or Go?

The Annual Tension: Will Ben Johnson Leave?

For the third consecutive year, Detroit Lions fans and football enthusiasts alike are once again sitting on the edge of their seats, wondering what the future holds for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Will he finally take a coveted head coaching job or will he remain in Detroit for another season? The suspense is palpable, and this yearly question is becoming a source of ongoing anxiety for fans and analysts alike.

The Case for Johnson Returning to Detroit

From my perspective, it seems likely that Johnson will stay in Detroit for the 2025 season. While head coaching opportunities may arise, none of the current openings seem to offer that rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that Johnson is waiting for. I see potential coaching vacancies next season with teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, or Buffalo Bills, which could be more appealing in the long run.

However, despite this logic, there are others who believe Johnson may be ready to take the leap now. According to ESPN’s NFL insider, Dan Graziano, Johnson has been cautious in recent years but is now in a different mindset. Graziano believes that Johnson is poised to embrace a head coaching role if the right opportunity comes along.

The Jaguars and Other Potential Head Coaching Spots

One possible destination that has garnered attention is the Jacksonville Jaguars. Graziano suggests that Johnson might be intrigued by the Jaguars’ job, but he would likely want to bring in his own General Manager, avoiding a partnership with Trent Baalke, who the Jaguars surprisingly retained. Additionally, the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears have also been mentioned as potential landing spots for Johnson.

The Opposing View: Johnson Might Stay in Detroit

On the other hand, Jeremy Fowler, another ESPN insider, has a different take on the situation. Fowler has spoken to league sources who believe Johnson may return to Detroit, and it doesn’t appear to be a mere leverage play. This has been a possibility in the past two cycles, and it could very well be the case again this time if Johnson’s ideal head coaching destination is unavailable.

Why Detroit Might Be the Best Option for Johnson

As I’ve stated before, I’m inclined to agree with this assessment. Currently, I don’t believe the perfect head coaching job is on the table. There’s definitely potential with quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and Trevor Lawrence, but both situations are tied to teams with volatile ownerships and front offices that may not be as stable in the long term.

If organizational alignment is a key factor for Johnson, as we understand it to be, then it’s clear that he won’t find that in most of the open positions this year. The Patriots’ job may pose a threat to this idea, but for now, it seems like Mike Vrabel is the frontrunner for that role, not Johnson.

The Final Verdict: Johnson Likely to Stay in Detroit

In the end, Lions fans may experience a few more weeks of uncertainty, but I firmly believe that when all is said and done, Ben Johnson will be back in Detroit for the 2025 season. As for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, however, my outlook is far less optimistic. It seems to me that Glenn’s time with the Lions is likely over.

While the coaching carousel may continue to spin, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Johnson has built something special in Detroit. His return would be a big win for the Lions and their future ambitions.