Pick a week, or even a given day, and you’ll probably see different rumors and reporting about which head coaching job(s) appeal most to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson or are the best “fit” for him.
A head coaching opening that’s been easiest to tie Johnson is the Chicago Bears. He may have wanted that job a year ago, but Matt Eberflus was retained. Indications of the type of coach they will seek have wavered some based on reports, as has whether or not Johnson would covet that job now over any other.
Most recently, there has been more buzz from one NFL insider attaching Johnson to a head coaching opening that it feels like a formality will be open next between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.
Another insider has taken the baton.
NFL insider outlines why a certain head coaching job might really appeal to Ben Johnson
In a fresh look at the upcoming coaching carousel heading into Week 18, ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler devoted a section to where Johnson might land framed as where should he want to be the head coach next season?
The Bears were a prominent mention, of course, but Fowler noted the history and situation there (tough division, etc.) before pointing at a job opening that may be more appealing to Johnson than Chicago.
“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.”
If the Jaguars have to fire general manager Trent Baalke in order to pave a path to hiring Johnson, or any other candidate to replace Doug Pederson, that should be a no-brainer for owner Shad Khan. Said new general manager could even come from the Lions’ front office, to foster the organizational alignment Johnson is said to want as he goes through the interview process.
The Jaguars can do everything it takes to appeal to Johnson, and they have a roster situation (clearly dictated by how he feels about Trevor Lawrence) that stands to have some appeal to him. One insider matching the two sides is one thing, but now it’s two that are doing so from presumably a well-informed perspective.
