Ben Johnson is the NFL’s hottest coaching candidate, and it’s easy to see why. In just two seasons as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, he’s transformed their offense into a powerhouse. With Detroit’s impressive run game and Jared Goff suddenly looking like one of the league’s most accurate quarterbacks, Johnson has shown he’s got the skills to take any team to the next level. And at just 38, he’s on the verge of being the NFL’s next big coaching star.
What’s unique about Johnson? He’s in a rare position of power where he can be picky about his next move. Teams are lining up, but he’s only interested in the right fit. From Chicago’s promising young quarterback to Dallas’s star-studded roster, he’s got options. But which will he choose? Let’s dive into some landing spots that could be a perfect match for this offensive wizard.
5. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears might be Johnson’s ideal fit. Chicago is reportedly high on Ben Johnson’s list of potential teams. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Johnson was connected to the Bears’ coaching job last offseason before Chicago ultimately retained Matt Eberflus. Now, if Eberflus’ tenure wraps up after this season, Johnson could have his chance to make Chicago his own.
The Bears offer a steadily improved defense and a new QB prospect in Caleb Williams, who went No. 1 overall in the 2024 draft. The opportunity to develop Williams into a pro-ready star while tapping into Chicago’s offensive weapons like D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and D’Andre Swift might be too good for Johnson to pass up.
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4. Dallas Cowboys
Could the Dallas Cowboys finally be ready to make a coaching change? After three consecutive 12-5 seasons, head coach Mike McCarthy entered 2024 with some serious pressure. Owner Jerry Jones has shown patience, but the right offensive mind could be the spark to bring Dallas closer to its first Super Bowl win since 1996. Johnson could be that spark.
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Secured with long-term deals, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb lead the Cowboys’ talented roster. With Ben Johnson’s knack for maximizing quarterbacks, he could elevate Prescott’s game and work wonders with CeeDee as a primary target. Dallas does need some offensive line reinforcements and help in the running back department, but these tweaks would likely be easy fixes for a forward-thinking coach like Johnson.
3. New York Giants
If Johnson wants to make a splash in New York, the Giants could be a great choice, offering him a chance to reset the offense from the ground up. Although the Giants have seen a fair share of coaching turnover recently, owner John Mara seems determined to find a long-term fit and stabilize the team’s leadership.
The appeal for Johnson could lie in the offensive rebuild opportunity. He’d have young, promising receivers in Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, who could anchor his offense. Moreover, Johnson could likely handpick his quarterback, with New York expected to move on from Daniel Jones in the 2025 offseason. If Johnson sees a quarterback he’s excited about in the draft, he could sell the Giants on a new vision for a franchise QB. With the allure of a Big Apple resurgence on the line, Johnson could view the Giants as a long-term project worth pursuing.
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2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd Bowles’ job with the Buccaneers may not be entirely safe. Although Bowles has led the team to back-to-back playoff appearances, Tampa’s defense has slipped to the bottom five in both yards and points allowed, which might prompt GM Jason Licht to consider changing.
If Tampa Bay does open the head coach spot, Ben Johnson could find plenty to work with offensively. Offensive coordinator Liam Coen has already helped Baker Mayfield reach a league-leading 23 touchdowns through nine weeks so that Johnson would have a solid foundation. With Mayfield at quarterback, plus weapons like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and tight end Cade Otton, Johnson could quickly turn the Bucs’ offense into an NFC South powerhouse. Tampa’s three cost-controlled running backs and a stable offensive line would give Johnson more flexibility and options to tailor an offense similar to his Lions’ system.
1. Cincinnati Bengals
Finally, there’s the Cincinnati Bengals—though this may be more of a long shot. While Zac Taylor’s job isn’t immediately at risk, Cincinnati’s notoriously slow starts and a missed playoff run in 2023 have raised some questions. If they continue to stumble, team owner Mike Brown might look for a shake-up to keep Cincinnati’s Super Bowl window open with Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
Working with one of the NFL’s top young quarterback-receiver duos, Burrow and Chase, would be an irresistible challenge for Ben Johnson. Johnson could also elevate the Bengals’ improving run game, led by Chase Brown. While Cincinnati is a stretch among these teams, it could still be a surprise destination if the Bengals hit a slump and decide they need a new offensive mind to keep them in title contention.
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