As head coaching vacancies pop up around the NFL, one name is quickly emerging as the hottest commodity: Ben Johnson. The offensive mastermind behind the Detroit Lions’ explosive turnaround, Johnson’s creative, fearless playcalling has turned his offense into one of the most exciting in the league. But how did this former walk-on quarterback become one of the most coveted coaching talents in the NFL? Let’s dive into his remarkable journey.
Johnson’s path to the NFL wasn’t conventional. A walk-on quarterback at the University of North Carolina in 2004, he spent most of his time as a backup to future NFL quarterback T.J. Yates. Despite limited playing time, Johnson’s sharp football mind stood out, and after graduating in 2008, he transitioned to coaching as a graduate assistant at Boston College.
In 2012, Johnson joined the Miami Dolphins as an offensive assistant, quickly making a name for himself with his eye for detail. By 2015, interim head coach Dan Campbell—yes, the same Campbell now leading the Lions—moved Johnson to tight ends coach. His versatility, switching from coaching quarterbacks to tight ends to wide receivers, made him a rising star in Miami’s coaching staff.
In 2019, Johnson joined the Detroit Lions as an offensive quality control coach. By 2020, he was promoted to tight ends coach. But it was his 2021 promotion to pass game coordinator, following an 0-8 start under Campbell, that truly showcased his ability to turn around struggling offenses. By 2022, he was named offensive coordinator, and the Lions’ offense became a force to be reckoned with.
As the architect of one of the NFL’s most unpredictable and dynamic offenses, Johnson has earned a reputation as a coaching genius. His schemes blend diverse run concepts—zone, power, gap—with a deadly passing attack that keeps defenses on their heels. With a mix of pre-snap motion, creative formations, and misdirection, Johnson confounds defenders and creates mismatches at every level.
But what really sets him apart is his adaptability. Johnson tailors his playcalling to the flow of the game, making quick adjustments based on the defense’s tendencies. The result is an offense that’s nearly impossible to prepare for, and when it’s clicking, utterly unstoppable.
As the NFL coaching carousel spins into full gear, Johnson’s name is on the tip of every executive’s tongue. Teams like the Chicago Bears and Jacksonville Jaguars are reportedly eyeing him for their head coaching vacancies. But will he take the leap? After carefully weighing his options last offseason, it wouldn’t be surprising if Johnson takes a similar approach this time, ensuring that the next step is the right fit.
Whether he remains in Detroit as one of the league’s top offensive coordinators or steps into a head coaching role, one thing is certain: Ben Johnson is a name to watch. With his innovative playcalling, leadership, and unmatched ability to create offensive chaos, Johnson is poised to leave a lasting mark on the NFL for years to come.