Ben Johnson and the Detroit Lions: Unraveling the Controversy

The Ben Johnson Dilemma Look, I get it. Ben Johnson is now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, and many Detroit Lions fans aren’t thrilled about it. Given his success as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, his departure has left a bitter taste in the mouths of some fans. But has this frustration turned into unwarranted criticism?

The Playoff Interview Distraction Narrative One of the key talking points among Johnson’s detractors is the claim that he was distracted by interviewing for head coaching jobs during the playoffs. However, this argument falls flat when considering that he also interviewed for jobs last year, and the Lions still delivered a stellar offensive performance. In fact, Detroit racked up 500 yards and 31 points this year in the postseason, proving that Johnson’s preparation and focus remained intact.

Furthermore, Johnson wasn’t the only coach taking interviews while his team was competing in the playoffs. Kellen Moore, for instance, interviewed for a head coaching role while his team was preparing for the Super Bowl. If this practice is common across the league, why is Johnson being singled out?

Did Johnson Leave the Lions on Bad Terms? Another narrative gaining traction is that Johnson left the Lions in a disrespectful manner. Some fans have claimed that he abruptly departed, leaving the team in a bad situation. However, there is no real evidence to support this claim. Johnson did not secretly exit in the middle of the night or leave the team blindsided. Reports about him having his coaching staff ready before his departure have been misinterpreted.

If Johnson truly left on bad terms, why has the Lions organization only had positive things to say about him? Detroit’s management and players have publicly wished him well, further dispelling any notion of animosity between the two sides.

The Goff Controversy: Misinterpretation or Malice? The latest criticism to surface is the claim that Johnson does not like quarterback Jared Goff or that he is subtly throwing shade at him. This theory has emerged based on comments Johnson has made about his previous experiences with quarterbacks.

However, the reality is much simpler. Johnson has repeatedly praised Goff in the past, even calling him an extension of himself on the field. The supposed slight against Goff stems from Johnson stating that he has never really coached a mobile quarterback in the NFL. This statement is a fact, not an insult. Nowhere in his comments did Johnson express frustration over Goff’s mobility, nor did he say that he preferred a different type of quarterback.

A Joke Taken Out of Context Another so-called controversy revolves around a lighthearted remark about offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Some Lions fans have taken a joke too seriously, suggesting that Johnson implied Sewell was a better quarterback than Goff. This claim is absurd. Johnson was simply referencing a failed trick play, not making a legitimate comparison between a lineman and an established NFL quarterback.

Final Thoughts: Letting Go of the Hate At the end of the day, no amount of reasoning will change the minds of some Lions fans who now see Ben Johnson as the enemy. The truth, however, is that he is not out there actively disrespecting the Lions or their players. He made a career move—one that any ambitious coach would consider.

Johnson’s departure may sting for Lions fans, especially given his impact on the team’s offense. But the bitterness and manufactured outrage do little to change the fact that he was excellent at his job and left Detroit in a respectable manner. Perhaps it’s time to move on and appreciate what he accomplished with the Lions rather than trying to discredit him now that he’s moved on to a new challenge.