5 candidates to replace Ben Johnson as Lions offensive coordinator if he leaves for a head coaching job
Despite interest from multiple teams, Ben Johnson put the kibosh on his head coaching candidacy after last season to stay on as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions. Beyond getting a nice raise in pay to stay, he clearly valued his part of what's being built in Detroit and his relationship with quarterback Jared Goff.
Teams with head coaching openings are sure to be after Johnson again after this season, if he's willing to entertain those opportunities. The Las Vegas Raiders are a situation he'd probably avoid, but there's a chance a job opening will appeal to him enough to take it if offered. Compared to the jobs that were available after last year, at least a couple possibilities for 2024 look pretty good and may have some appeal to Johnson.
Johnson proved he will be selective in leaving the Lions for a head coaching job, and he may wait again if there's not a good fit in the looming hiring cycle. But it is a matter of when, not if, he leaves Detroit to be a head coach. Taking a head job at the college level isn't very likely, but it can't be completely ruled out.
On the idea Johnson takes a head coaching job when this season is over for the Lions, who could replace him?