The three clubs who have already dismissed their coach will be interested in Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, if he believes that now is the right time for him to take over as head coach.

The New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears are all anticipated to be interested in Johnson, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.

Johnson’s portfolio of work indicates that every team that makes a coaching change at the end of this season should at least try to recruit him, but the list presently only consists of three teams because they are the only clubs with openings.

Johnson decided to stay in his present role with the Lions despite being perhaps the most sought-after coaching prospect for the past two years.

Johnson withdrew his name from consideration after speculation that his hiring by the Washington Commanders was a “foregone conclusion” during the previous offseason.

“I like what the organization has built,” Johnson said, explaining his choice to stay in Detroit, adding that he wants “to reap the rewards with them a little bit longer.”

This summer, the Bears are expected to be among the most alluring jobs for prospective applicants. Despite having a patchy rookie year, Caleb Williams is playing considerably better now that Thomas Brown took Shane Waldron’s job as the offensive play-caller in Week 11.

The Bears also have Rome Odunze, a rookie at wide receiver, and Williams at quarterback. With an additional second-round pick from the Carolina Panthers, they may also have three of the top 45 selections in the 2025 NFL draft.

It’s hard to determine whether elite prospects would choose to work for the Jets or Saints since the clubs as they stand now have shown they aren’t very close to contending for the Super Bowl.

Since they can completely overhaul the squad and start over to create everything the way they want, some coaches would undoubtedly welcome the chance to take over a club that needs a complete makeover.

When Dan Campbell was appointed head coach of the Lions in January 2021, Johnson was a part of that exact circumstance. They are currently 12-1 and may be the favorite to win the Super Bowl this season, having gone from 3-13-1 in his first season.

With 28.3 points per game, the Lions have led the NFL since Johnson was elevated to offensive coordinator in 2022. The 38-year-old began coaching in the NFL in 2012 after joining the Miami Dolphins as an offensive coordinator.