5 coaches who could be pried away from the Detroit Lions in 2024

1. Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator

Of course Johnson is No. 1 on this list. If he hadn't pulled himself out of consideration for head coaching jobs last year, however clairvoyant he looks now to not have taken an interview with the Carolina Panthers, he might have gotten one then.

Johnson's interview itinerary is filling up quickly again, with the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers and of course the Panthers submitting requests before "Black Monday" was even over. The Tennessee Titans want to interview him too, and at least one betting site has him as the favorite for the Commanders' job. Others may enter the fray too, with the Atlanta Falcons an easy one to tab.

In a broad sense, the head coaching openings this year are much more appealing than last year's. Teams have to wait to do an in-person interview with Johnson, but many (if not all) that want to talk to him surely will wait to do so in a fully-fleshed out head coaching search.

Until he takes a head coaching job, Johnson will be No. 1 on any sort of list about coaches the Lions could lose. His ultimate desire to leave Detroit and make the jump this year is at best unclear, but he will have opportunities. Maybe one organization will make him an offer (not just money, but overall situation) he won't refuse.