Since the start of the 2022 season, the Detroit Lions have improved their record each year. Dan Campbell’s first season as head coach was in 2022 and the team went 9-8. They narrowly missed the playoffs. In 2023, Detroit went 12-5 and won the NFC North for the first time in 30 years.
Through 15 games in 2024, the Lions are 13-2. This is the record for most wins in a season, with two games still remaining. Detroit sets itself apart from the rest of the NFL with its unique play calling. It’s all done by third-year offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. The 38-year-old remained with the Lions after expressing interest in pursuing another career. ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reports that Johnson is expected to interview for Chicago’s head coaching vacancy. She noted that Johnson would only interview for jobs she wanted.
The Chicago Bears could change their franchise if they hire Ben Johnson.
I think this is a bigger deal than it gets recognized for.
Ben Johnson said he plans to only interview for jobs he wants.@CourtneyRCronin (Best writer on the whole Bare Beat) Here Johnson says blankly that he will be interviewed… pic.twitter.com/1xCamMuZAR
— Luke OGrady (@LukeOGrady) December 23, 2024
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson played in the NFL for 13 seasons. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Boston University in 2009. Johnson spent three seasons at BC before being hired by the Dolphins as an offensive assistant in 2012. The longtime coach spent seven seasons at Miami and also held other positions such as assistant QB and WR coach. Ahead of the 2019 season, Johnson was hired by the Lions as an offensive quality control coach. The following season he became tight ends coach and held that position for two years.
Coach Dan Campbell has completely revamped the Lions in 2022 by promoting Ben Johnson to offensive coordinator. In 2022, Detroit went 9-8, averaging (26.6) points per game. Last season the team improved, averaging (27.1) points per game and going 12-5. Through 15 games in 2024, the Lions are 13-2, averaging a league-high (32.9) points per game. Ben Johnson is the driving force behind Detroit’s offensive success. Any team that names Johnson as its next head coach will get one of the best play callers in the NFL. Chicago hopes so.
