6 potential head coaching jobs for Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson in 2025
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will leave for a head coaching job eventually, and these jobs could be in play for him in 2025.
The level of surprise about it was pretty subjective, as the sheer number of openings dwindled, but Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson pulled himself out of consideration for the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks' head coaching openings on Tuesday. He's staying in Detroit for another year.
The Lions are surely now in a one-season window to capitalize on Johnson's decision to again postponing taking a head coaching job. He won't postpone taking a head coaching job forever, in the name of loyalty or "unfinished business" in Detroit after losing the NFC Championship Game this year. There's nothing wrong with waiting for the right fit though, and Johnson will turn 38 in May.
Some media in Washington thinks Johnson did damage to his future head coaching prospects by letting the Commanders know he was staying when they were flying to Detroit (to meet with defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn too, by the way). But Johnson handled his situation better than some others have when it comes to turning down a head coaching job.
On the assumption the Lions' offense remains one of the best in the league next season, and with all but three starters under contract right now there's no reason to think it won't be, Johnson will be a top head coaching candidate again in 2025. It's fair to say the Lions' postseason run this year impacted his candidacy for some jobs this year, but teams will wait to interview him.
Looking ahead to 2025, here are some head coaching jobs that could be in play for Johnson.