Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson sends a message to anyone looking to hire him as a head coach

In recent weeks, the buzz around Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as a future head coach has intensified. He was already viewed as a top candidate for such a job last offseason, but ultimately decided to stick around and help Detroit make a push for a championship after a close call last season.

So far, help he has, as Detroit's offense has roared out to a great start and has established itself as likely the league's best to start the season. Overall, the Lions are 7-1, the only one-loss team remaining in the league behind the undefeated Chiefs. Johnson's resume has gotten to the point where he'll be able to more or less take his pick of all teams looking to bring in a new head coach this offseason

In anticipation of such an opportunity, Johnson has voiced an opinion regarding what he's looking for in his next job. Check out the clip below, in which he discusses some of the features he's looking for in a new role.

Johnson makes careful use of the word "if" when referring to becoming a head coach over the offseason, but the message was clear- he enjoys calling plays for the Lions offense, and does not want to give up that responsibility when he makes his next move. Oftentimes, even new head coaches will delegate these responsibilities as they learn the ropes of running a team, even ones who were previously offensive or defensive playcallers in their previous jobs. Certain teams may not be comfortable bringing in a new coach who isn't interested in suh a division of labor, so that could narrow Johnson's options a bit.

Even so, plenty of teams will likely be interested in securing his services as both a head coach and play called, so where will Johnson end up? The NFC North rival Chicago Bears have come up as a team Johnson was interested in coaching last offseason, but wasn't given the chance. If current head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron continue to stumble in developing hyper-talented rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, Johnson could get the call this offseason.

The #Lions OC Ben Johnson says, "He loves play-calling" and wants to be a play-calling head coach.

New #Bears HC in the offseason? 👀👀#NFLTwitter #NFLpic.twitter.com/IqoPXa8007

— Pick 6 Pack (@Pick6PackFB) November 5, 2024

So far, two teams have let go of their head coaches this season, the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints. Both teams have struggled offensively this year, and become the obvious first candidates to bring in Johnson, as their two jobs are the only ones currently open. Teams looking to draft a quarterback in the upcoming draft, like the Tennessee Titans or New York Giants, could be interested in having Johnson tutor their rookie passers, while the New England Patriots or Jacksonville Jaguars might see him as the best option to usher their current highly-drafted passers towards better production.