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Early Outreach Sparks Backlash Amid Lions’ Super Bowl Chase
Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has drawn the ire of Lions fans after it was revealed that he reached out to former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen late in the 2024 season. The inquiry, reportedly made while Johnson was still focused on Detroit’s playoff push, has left many questioning his commitment at the time.
Johnson’s Inquiry About Allen’s Interest
Speaking at his introductory press conference, Allen confirmed that Johnson had contacted him well before the season concluded to gauge his interest in joining a first-time head coach’s staff.
“At some point as we got later in the season he reached out to me just to see if I would be interested,” Allen revealed, via Sports Illustrated. “I told him that I would be interested.”
While early networking is common in the coaching world, the timing of Johnson’s actions has not sat well with Lions fans, who expected full focus on their Super Bowl aspirations.
Detroit Fans React with Frustration
For a fanbase that watched its team come within striking distance of the franchise’s first-ever Super Bowl appearance, the revelation has been infuriating. Many supporters believe Johnson should have been fully locked in on the Lions rather than laying groundwork for his future.
Johnson’s apparent early exit strategy only adds to the sting of his departure. While highly respected for his offensive creativity, his decision to engage in future job discussions while still with Detroit has left a bitter taste among fans.
Allen’s Vision for Chicago
Now taking over as the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator, Allen is setting an aggressive tone for his new unit.
“We want to take the fight to the offense and not let the offense dictate the tempo to us,” Allen stated. “We’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to challenge everything. We’re going to play the game the right way. And we’re going to play a tough, physical brand of football.”
While Johnson moves on to a head coaching role, the Lions are left to move forward without him. However, the controversy surrounding his final months in Detroit will not be forgotten anytime soon.