Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will be a head coach elsewhere in 2025 if he chooses to be. Slated to be the hottest candidate for a second consecutive offseason, Johnson spurned outside interest last coaching cycle to return to the Lions and aid Dan Campbell in his quest to deliver a Super Bowl to Motor City. The 12-2 Lions are legitimate contenders.
Johnson admitted he possesses aspirations to be a head coach while speaking with reporters on Thursday. Johnson will sit atop every coaching wishlist this offseason and he's expected to finally make the leap. He's been choosy in previous interview opportunities, so potential suitors must put together one helluva pitch and a fat payday. We've identified three potential landing spots for Johnson.
Chicago Bears
Detroit's NFC North rival Chicago Bears are expected to express significant interest in Johnson. They entered the season with a defensive-minded head coach in Matt Eberflus. Eberflus was fired after Johnson's Lions defeated them on Thanksgiving. Eberflus failed to maximize the talent of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, having relieved struggling offensive coordinator Shane Waldron of his duties. Interim coach Thomas Brown hasn't fully unlocked Williams either.
Fostering a positive environment for Williams to grow and mature will be Chicago's top priority throughout their coaching search. Typically, the Bears' questionable ownership structure would scare a candidate like Johnson away. But Williams' presence as a legitimate franchise quarterback with big-time upside may be enough for Johnson to ignore the questions surrounding leadership.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't officially relieved Doug Pederson of his duties, but it's difficult to imagine him returning in 2025. The Jaguars entered the 2024 campaign with legitimate postseason aspirations in the AFC South. Instead, they're 3-11 and heading for a top-five selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Whoever Jacksonville hires will inherit Trevor Lawrence as their franchise QB after the team committed a five-year, $275 million extension to him. General manager Trent Baalke is on thin ice, and owner Shad Khan is among the league's more braggadocious leaders. The Jaguars have a lot to address from a front-office perspective this offseason. Johnson's interest level would likely rely on his opinion of Lawrence as a quarterback.
Las Vegas Raiders
Are the Las Vegas Raiders going to make Antonio Pierce one-and-done as a full-time head coach? It feels within the realm of possibility. The 2-12 Raiders are currently in pole position to clinch the No. 1 overall selection in April's festivities. That represents an opportune time to make a coaching change, if one's under consideration.
Partial partner Tom Brady could have significant influence over the process. Though Brady may be biased towards his ex-teammate Mike Vrabel, who’ll rival Johnson on offseason wishlists, he's also surely impressed with the elite offense Johnson has overseen in Detroit. The Raiders are scheduled to hand-pick their next QB, possibly choosing between Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward in the 2025 NFL Draft. That could appeal to Johnson.
