Dan Campbell’s acknowledgment that his staff, including offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, may not stay together forever reflects the reality of coaching in the NFL, especially with the success the Lions have enjoyed in recent seasons. Johnson, who has been a key part of the Lions’ offensive turnaround, is expected to be a top candidate for head coaching positions as soon as 2025, and while he has already drawn attention, he’s likely to be selective in his choices.
As noted by SI’s Connor Orr, Johnson is expected to look for a “dream job” setup that checks all the boxes: a solid roster, a patient owner, and a quarterback with whom he can build a winning future. This type of ideal scenario would likely align with Johnson’s long-term ambitions, as he seeks an environment that supports his growth as a head coach.
This makes sense when considering Johnson’s development with Detroit. He’s had success working with Jared Goff, elevating his play and bringing the Lions’ offense to a level of consistency and explosiveness not seen in years. For Johnson, an ideal head coaching position would likely feature a strong QB, a clear vision for the future, and an organization that offers stability and long-term support.
Johnson’s next move will be highly scrutinized, and if the Lions continue to build on their success, it could be harder for him to leave — unless another organization offers the right combination of roster talent, financial backing, and a quarterback with championship potential. The Lions’ rise under Campbell and Johnson could make it more difficult to lure Johnson away, but if the right situation arises, he could be ready to make the jump.
Ben Johnson predicted to end up with head coaching job that may be trending toward being open
Cory Woodruff’s prediction about Ben Johnson potentially replacing Zac Taylor as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals presents an intriguing scenario. If the Bengals do indeed part ways with Taylor, Johnson would be in a prime position to take over, thanks to the presence of elite quarterback Joe Burrow. A franchise quarterback is often seen as the foundation of any head coach’s success, and with Burrow at the helm, Johnson would inherit a roster capable of contending in the AFC.
The Bengals’ struggles this season, including a disappointing 4-7 record after their Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, have certainly raised questions about Taylor’s future. After a rough stretch, including underperforming in critical moments, Taylor’s seat appears to be getting warmer, especially with star players like Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase likely pushing for better results. If the Bengals fail to recover and miss the playoffs, a coaching change could become inevitable.
Johnson, having overseen a resurgence in Detroit’s offense, would be a highly attractive candidate. He’s been instrumental in developing Jared Goff into a top-tier quarterback and building a strong offensive system, and his success with the Lions’ offense could be translated to Burrow’s dynamic skill set. The opportunity to coach a quarterback like Burrow would be hard to pass up, especially considering the Bengals’ established talent and potential for future success.
Woodruff’s mention of Zac Taylor possibly landing back with the L.A. Rams as an offensive assistant is also noteworthy. Taylor previously served as the Rams’ quarterbacks coach before taking the Bengals job, and if he is let go in Cincinnati, a return to Los Angeles could provide a soft landing, particularly given his familiarity with the Rams’ system.
For Ben Johnson, the Bengals could offer a high-profile opportunity, but there’s also the question of whether he’d leave Detroit, where he’s helping build something special. Ultimately, Johnson’s decision will depend on his assessment of both the Bengals’ situation and the long-term potential of the Lions. However, as Woodruff suggests, the Bengals’ elite quarterback play could make this a hard opportunity to pass up.
The situation in Cincinnati certainly adds a layer of complexity to the discussion about Ben Johnson’s future. While Zac Taylor is under contract through 2026, which complicates the decision from an ownership standpoint, the Bengals’ underwhelming performance, particularly if they finish with double-digit losses, might push the franchise to reconsider. Bengals owner Mike Brown has historically been known for his reluctance to part ways with coaches or spend heavily, so any decision to move on from Taylor would come with significant financial implications. However, as you pointed out, even a cheap owner like Brown is unlikely to tolerate mediocrity for too long, especially when the roster, headlined by Joe Burrow, should be performing better.
If the Bengals fail to make the playoffs again, the pressure on Brown to make a coaching change could increase. Burrow’s talent is too valuable to waste, and the Bengals could look to a head coach like Johnson, who has shown an ability to build an offense around a talented quarterback. Johnson’s track record in Detroit, particularly his work with Jared Goff, should be highly appealing to Cincinnati. As you noted, having a good roster, a patient owner, and a quarterback like Burrow makes the Bengals’ job one of the most desirable potential openings. Even though Brown’s patience might stem from financial conservatism, he will still recognize the need for a more successful coaching regime to take full advantage of Burrow’s elite talent.
As for Johnson, if he decides to leave Detroit for a head coaching position, a job with Burrow at quarterback is an easy sell. Cincinnati checks all the boxes in terms of roster talent and potential for success. If the Bengals make a change, the job will certainly be a coveted one among coaching candidates, and Johnson, with his offensive expertise, would likely be at the top of the list. However, he may also have to weigh the long-term stability and direction of the Lions, as Detroit has shown promising growth under his leadership.
In any case, as you mentioned, Johnson’s future could be heavily influenced by whether the Bengals’ job opens up, as it presents a prime opportunity for a coach looking to work with a top-tier quarterback and a team with championship potential. The Bengals’ performance this season will be critical in determining if that job becomes available.
