Photo Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

The Detroit Lions offense emerged as one of the NFL’s best last season. It’s no wonder with a full healthy season from Matthew Stafford and a freakish once in a generation wide receiver like Calvin Johnson. But credit is also due to the man steering the ship: offensive coordinator Scott Linehan.

In three years with the Vikings, Linehan’s offenses ranked no lower than fourth in total yardage. Since Linehan’s arrival in Detroit the Lions have risen from 26th in total offense to 17th in 2010 and fifth in 2011.

Pro Football Weekly continues their offseason series working through the “best of” the NFL with the top five offensive coordinators. Spoiler alert: Linehan makes the list.