After three years of wondering about what will happen with Ben Johnson and the Detroit Lions,  the wondering is over. Johnson has finally decided that he is ready to be a head coach and has accepted the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears.

Johnson started his run with the Lions when Matt Patricia hired him to be an offensive quality control coach. He worked his way up to being a tight ends coach and then in 2021 when Dan Campbell was calling the offense in the second half of the season, there was a lot of talk about Johnson being a key figure in helping the Lions offense with specials. He got the OC job the next year and helped the Lions have the league’s top offense in 2023 and 2024.

Now the question is who will replace him? We have three candidates that make some sense. Two from inside and one from outside.

Tanner Engstrand

This one feels like a no-brainer to be honest. The Lions’ passing game coordinator has already been someone who has had OC interviews around the league last offseason. He could definitely be ready to take over the job after three seasons under Johnson’s tutelage. I think this is the best shot for zero drop-off.

Scottie Montgomery

There is a ton of respect in the building for Montgomery. Another guy has gotten some OC interviews and could potentially get a head coaching interview or two this offseason as well. The Lions love to run the ball and it makes sense that the running backs coach would take over the offense and continue their prime strategy.

Shane Waldron

The full expectation is that the Lions promote from within, but if they do not, the Lions may look to get some help from a guy who has a lot of experience with Jared Goff. Waldron was the Ram’s quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator during Goff’s time in Los Angeles. There’s a rapport there that the Lions may consider.