The Detroit Lions offense has arguably been the most dynamic unit in the NFL this season, as the group leads the league in points per game with 33.3 and is also second in yards per game with 410.5 through 17 weeks. Though players such as quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St.Brown are the engines of the offense, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the mastermind behind the operation.
Johnson took over as Detroit’s offensive coordinator in 2022, and in just three seasons, the South Carolina native has established himself as one of the best coordinators in the NFL and a premier head coaching candidate.
Johnson will have a highly competitive head coaching market this offseason, but the Chicago Bears have been the most heavily linked team to the Lions’ offensive coordinator since Chicago fired Matt Eberflus as head coach on Nov.29. The Bears boast an exciting young quarterback in Caleb Williams and have a ton of offensive potential, something Johnson could be interested in.
Though the Bears have been named the presumed favorite to land Johnson’s services as head coach this offseason, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes the Jacksonville Jaguars could also be a landing spot for Ben Johnson if the team fires Doug Pederson at the end of the year.
Also, the Bears haven’t had sustained offensive success since the Truman administration. Even at its most attractive, the Bears job isn’t typically one that offensive masterminds point to and say, “We will score 40 points per game there.” And that division is a beast, as the Bears’ three NFC North opponents have a combined 39-9 record this season. So perhaps Jacksonville — with a weak division, a roster with some talent, no state income tax, small-market scrutiny and great weather — is the best option.
The Jaguars’ divisional opponents are currently 19-29, a far cry from what Johnson would face in the NFC North. So more people around the league than you’d think have Jacksonville No. 1. Now, much of that hinges on how you feel about quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has underperformed. But perhaps a new system will maximize him. And there might be a new general manager in place whom the head coach can influence.
Though Jacksonville has had a rocky 2024 season, the roster isn’t awful, and the team has been plagued by injuries this year. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has had an up-and-down start to his career, but the former Clemson standout still has a ton of talent. Rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is electric, as the 2024 No.23 overall pick has posted 1,179 receiving yards and ten touchdowns this year. The defense is also stacked with talents such as edge rushers Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, as well as cornerback Tyson Campbell.
As Fowler stated, the Jaguars also play in a weak AFC South division and are dubbed an attractive job by many around the league.
Johnson will have a ton of options to choose from this offseason, including potentially staying with the Lions for another season, but the 38-year-old should seriously consider taking the Jaguars head coaching job if it is available. Jacksonville has underwhelmed over the last two years, but the roster is filled with some exciting talent, and Johnson could be the head coach that revitalizes the franchise.
