By Mummy Grace 
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is once again in the spotlight as the NFL’s head coaching hiring cycle heats up. After removing himself from the interview process last year, Johnson has shown he’s selective about opportunities, prioritizing the right situation over rushing into a head coaching role.
Teams Pursuing Johnson
As of Wednesday morning, Johnson has received interview requests from the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, and Jacksonville Jaguars, with an additional request coming from the Las Vegas Raiders later in the day. Reports indicate he is particularly intrigued by the Bears and Patriots’ openings, with strong interest in both.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero highlighted Johnson’s specific interest, particularly with the Patriots’ job, which includes quarterback Drake Maye, a promising rookie prospect, as a major draw.
Key Achievements
Johnson’s stock as a coaching candidate continues to rise thanks to his impact on Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense. Since taking over as offensive coordinator in 2022, Johnson has helped Goff achieve some of the best numbers of his career. The close relationship between Johnson and Goff, built on mutual trust and collaboration, has been a cornerstone of Detroit’s offensive success. Johnson’s ability to tailor the offense to Goff’s strengths has not only revitalized Goff’s career but also made the Lions a formidable unit.
Jared Goff’s Reaction
In a recent interview on 97.1 The Ticket, Goff expressed his admiration for Johnson while acknowledging the possibility of him leaving for a head coaching position:
“Obviously, I love Ben. He’s the best, and I wish him the best in whatever he ends up doing, but he knows I’d like to have him for at least one more year. We’ll see where it goes.”
Goff also praised Johnson for fostering a collaborative environment:
“I’m very thankful to have a coach who listens and wants to hear from me and my ideas. It’s been fun to get some of those ideas in.”
What’s Next?
Johnson’s approach to the hiring process appears measured, signaling he’ll only leave Detroit for the right fit. The Bears and Patriots are reportedly leading the race for his services, but the Lions and their fans will be hoping Johnson decides to stay for another season. Goff’s subtle optimism suggests there’s still a chance Johnson will remain in Detroit—but only time will tell if that hint becomes reality.