As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, few names have been discussed more than Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. After a highly successful season in 2024, where the Lions showcased one of the most dynamic offenses in the league, Johnson’s stock has skyrocketed. His innovative approach to offensive play calling, his ability to maximize the talents of young stars like Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams, and his knack for developing a versatile and unpredictable offense made him a prime candidate for a head coaching job.
With the New York Jets entering the market for a new head coach following a disappointing season, they quickly set their sights on Johnson. The Jets, once a proud franchise known for their defense, had fallen into mediocrity. They had a talented roster, but their offensive struggles had held them back from reaching their potential. In a bold move, they extended an offer to Ben Johnson to take the reins as their new head coach. The opportunity to lead a team with a young, promising quarterback in Zach Wilson and a defense brimming with potential was enticing, and it left Johnson facing a monumental decision.
A Dream Job or a Timely Opportunity?
For Ben Johnson, the decision was a complex one. On one hand, becoming the head coach of the New York Jets represented the pinnacle of a coaching career. Few positions in the NFL could match the prestige and challenge of leading a team in one of the league’s largest and most competitive markets. The Jets, despite their struggles in recent years, had the pieces in place to turn things around. Their defense, led by Robert Saleh, was one of the best in the league, and their offense, while inconsistent, had the potential for explosive growth with the right leadership.
However, on the other hand, Johnson had built something special in Detroit. His partnership with head coach Dan Campbell had been central to the Lions’ resurgence, and he had developed a strong bond with the team and its players. The Lions’ offense was on the rise, and Johnson was in the perfect position to continue his work in the Motor City, especially after leading a high-powered offense that helped the Lions reach the playoffs in 2024.
The decision wasn’t simply about football; it was about the future of his career, the kind of coach he wanted to be, and the impact he hoped to have on a team. Johnson had been with the Lions since 2019, working his way up from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator, and the franchise was clearly invested in his development. The idea of leaving the Lions for the Jets would mean starting fresh in a new environment, with new challenges, and potentially, new pressures. But it also meant the chance to prove himself as a head coach and take on a leadership role that could define the next phase of his career.
The Culture in Detroit: A Strong Foundation
Ben Johnson’s rise in Detroit was no accident. When he arrived, the Lions were in the midst of a rebuilding process. The franchise had long struggled to find consistent success, and the offense was a major weakness. In 2019, when Johnson was hired as tight ends coach, few could have imagined that, just a few years later, he would be one of the brightest young minds in the NFL.
Under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell, who had taken over in 2021, Johnson flourished. Campbell’s leadership style, which emphasized hard work, discipline, and a team-first mentality, resonated deeply with Johnson. The two coaches developed a strong working relationship, and Campbell entrusted Johnson with more responsibility. By 2023, Johnson had been promoted to offensive coordinator, and his creative play-calling and ability to develop young talent immediately began to show results.
The Lions’ offense, once one of the league’s least effective units, quickly became one of the most potent in the NFL. Johnson’s schemes utilized the talents of his players in innovative ways, and his ability to adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing defenses made Detroit one of the most exciting offenses to watch. Jared Goff, who had struggled in his previous stops, thrived under Johnson’s tutelage, and the emergence of Amon-Ra St. Brown as one of the league’s top wide receivers was a testament to Johnson’s ability to develop talent.
In addition to his work on the field, Johnson had built a strong rapport with the Lions’ front office and ownership. The organization recognized his potential as a future head coach, and the respect he had earned within the building made him a critical part of the team’s long-term plans. Johnson had cultivated a reputation as a meticulous and thoughtful coach who was always looking for ways to improve. His relationships with players, staff, and management were based on trust, respect, and a shared vision for success.
Leaving Detroit meant walking away from a situation where he was valued, trusted, and in a position to continue growing. The Lions had created an environment where Johnson felt comfortable and empowered to be creative. The city of Detroit, too, had embraced Johnson and his work, and there was a real sense of pride in the team’s direction.
The Jets’ Offer: A Fresh Challenge
The New York Jets, meanwhile, were a team in need of a fresh start. After several seasons of underachievement, the franchise decided to part ways with their previous head coach, hoping to find someone who could take advantage of their promising roster and lead them back to relevance. The Jets had pieces in place on defense, with rising stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams, and their special teams were among the best in the league. But their offense had been a major stumbling block. The team had cycled through a number of quarterbacks, with Zach Wilson showing flashes of potential but failing to consistently perform at a high level.
When the Jets approached Johnson, they presented an enticing opportunity: to be the head coach of a team with a talented defense, a young quarterback with potential, and an ownership group eager for success. For Johnson, the chance to build an offense from the ground up, while simultaneously leading the team as a whole, was an exciting prospect. The Jets’ ownership, led by Woody Johnson, expressed their confidence in his abilities and their desire to make him the face of the franchise moving forward.
The New York media market would undoubtedly present challenges. Johnson knew that coaching in New York meant increased scrutiny, heightened expectations, and the constant pressure to win. Yet, the city’s culture also offered unique opportunities. A successful head coach in New York would earn a place in NFL history, and the potential to turn around a franchise with a storied but tumultuous history was undeniably attractive.
Johnson also saw the chance to work with a young quarterback like Zach Wilson as a unique challenge. While Wilson had been inconsistent, Johnson believed that with the right coaching, he could unlock the quarterback’s potential and lead the Jets to success. The opportunity to shape a young QB’s career and build an offense around him was something that Johnson knew would be a defining part of his coaching legacy.
The Decision: Staying in Detroit or Taking the Jets Job
As Johnson weighed the pros and cons of each offer, it became clear that the decision was more than just a professional one. It was a personal choice, one that would impact not only his career but also his family and his legacy as a coach.
Johnson spent hours discussing the opportunity with his family, seeking their input and advice. He also turned to mentors within the coaching community—guys like Dan Campbell, who had been instrumental in his development, and other respected figures in the NFL. They reminded him that success in the NFL is not just about coaching; it’s about creating a culture, developing players, and leading by example. They encouraged him to consider where he felt he could make the most impact and where he could continue to grow as both a coach and a leader.
In the end, Johnson chose to remain with the Detroit Lions.
The decision was not easy, but it was a reflection of his belief in the culture he had helped create in Detroit. Johnson knew that the Lions were on the cusp of something special, and he felt a deep sense of responsibility to continue building that legacy. The foundation was strong, and he had the opportunity to work with a talented, young offense and a coaching staff that shared his vision.
While the New York Jets’ offer was tempting, Johnson ultimately chose to stay in a situation where he felt he could continue to grow and make a lasting impact. The Lions’ future was bright, and Johnson was excited to be a part of it. His decision was a testament to his loyalty, his belief in the process, and his commitment to making a difference in Detroit.
Conclusion: A Bright Future in Detroit
Ben Johnson’s decision to remain with the Detroit Lions over the New York Jets was a defining moment in his coaching career. While the chance to lead the Jets was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Johnson recognized that he had unfinished business in Detroit. With the Lions poised for continued success, Johnson’s future in Detroit is bright. As he looks ahead to the 2025 season, there is a renewed sense of purpose and excitement for the offense he will continue to build.
Johnson’s journey is a reminder that success in the NFL is not just about the immediate opportunities—it’s about the long-term vision, the relationships built along the way, and the legacy left behind. In Detroit, Ben Johnson has the chance to write his own story and be part of something truly special.
