NFL Insider Reveals Criteria That Could Lead Ben Johnson to.. see more

Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, attracting the attention of multiple teams looking for a new head coach. As the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson has played a crucial role in the team’s offensive transformation, helping the Lions become one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. His success in Detroit has made him a prime candidate for head coaching positions, with teams like the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints reportedly interested in bringing him on board.

However, according to NFL insiders, Johnson’s decision to leave the Lions for another opportunity would not be made lightly. There are specific criteria that must be met for him to consider making a move to any of these teams. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that would influence his decision to leave Detroit for the Bears, Jets, or Saints.

1. Team Stability and Organizational Support

One of the most important factors in Johnson’s potential decision is the overall stability of the organization. The Lions, under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, have established a clear and positive direction for the team. The Lions are building a solid foundation, and Johnson has become a key part of that equation.

For Johnson to leave Detroit, any team he would consider must offer a similarly stable environment. The Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints are all franchises with their own strengths, but they also have question marks that could affect Johnson’s decision.

• Chicago Bears: The Bears have a promising young quarterback in Justin Fields, but the team is still in the early stages of its rebuilding process. Chicago has struggled to establish consistency in recent years, and while they have a strong defensive unit, their offensive struggles have been well-documented. Johnson would need to assess whether the Bears’ organizational leadership is committed to providing him with the resources and support necessary to turn around the offense.
• New York Jets: The Jets’ situation is more complicated, with instability at the quarterback position a major issue. Despite a solid defense, the offense has faltered, and the team’s search for a long-term solution at quarterback has yet to yield positive results. Johnson would need to determine whether the Jets are serious about improving their offensive line and acquiring the right pieces to run his system effectively.
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints, on the other hand, are an established team with a well-respected coaching staff and a relatively stable organization. The uncertainty surrounding the future of quarterback Derek Carr could be a factor for Johnson, as he will want to work with a quarterback who fits his offensive philosophy. However, the Saints’ competitive roster and strong ownership might provide a compelling reason for Johnson to consider this option.

2. Quarterback and Offensive Philosophy Fit

A critical part of Johnson’s success in Detroit has been his ability to maximize the potential of quarterback Jared Goff, who has thrived under Johnson’s offensive system. Goff’s ability to make quick decisions and execute a wide range of offensive concepts has allowed Johnson to be creative and implement a dynamic scheme that benefits the entire offense.

When considering a potential move to a new team, Johnson will want to ensure that the quarterback situation aligns with his offensive philosophy.

Chicago Bears: Justin Fields has shown flashes of potential, but his development as a passer has been inconsistent. Johnson would need to evaluate whether he believes Fields can thrive in his system and whether the Bears’ offensive line is capable of providing the protection necessary for a successful passing game.

• New York Jets: The quarterback situation in New York is a major question mark. While Zach Wilson has shown some potential, he has been inconsistent, and the Jets’ offense has struggled to establish any kind of rhythm. Johnson may be hesitant to take on the challenge of developing another young quarterback, especially if the Jets don’t provide the right resources to support the offense.
• New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr has been a stable presence at quarterback for the Saints, and his experience could make him an attractive option for Johnson. If Carr continues to show signs of improvement, the Saints could be an appealing destination for Johnson, especially if he feels he can build a more dynamic offense around him.

3. Personal and Family Considerations

Another key factor that could influence Johnson’s decision is his personal situation. Coaching in the NFL requires significant time and commitment, which can strain family life. Johnson, like many NFL coaches, will weigh how a potential move impacts his family and personal life. The team’s location, the level of stress involved, and the overall work-life balance will be factors that Johnson considers as he weighs his options.

• Chicago Bears: As a Midwest team, the Bears could be an attractive option for Johnson, especially if he has ties to the region. However, the potential instability of the Bears’ offense may factor into his decision.
• New York Jets: The Jets’ location in the New York metro area offers major media exposure, but also the added pressure that comes with it. If Johnson prefers a more low-key environment, this could be a turnoff.
• New Orleans Saints: New Orleans offers a different dynamic with a rich football culture and a competitive roster, but the pressure of playing in a high-profile division with a veteran roster might be a factor.

4. The Right Opportunity for Growth

Lastly, Johnson’s decision will come down to the potential for growth in the new role. While he’s already established himself as a top offensive coordinator, a move to one of these teams must offer the right career trajectory.

• Chicago Bears: The Bears are in the middle of a rebuild, and Johnson may see an opportunity to be part of that process, though he may also worry about job security if the team doesn’t progress as expected.
• New York Jets: A move to the Jets could offer Johnson a chance to turn around a struggling franchise, but the pressure of high expectations may also come with risks.
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints offer a more established roster, but with it comes the expectation of immediate results.

Ultimately, Ben Johnson’s decision will hinge on a combination of factors: team stability, quarterback fit, organizational support, and personal considerations. If the Bears, Jets, or Saints can meet his criteria, there’s a real possibility he could leave the Lions to lead a new franchise.

NFL Insider Reveals Criteria That Could Lead Ben Johnson to Leave Detroit Lions for Bears, Jets, or Saints

Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, attracting the attention of multiple teams looking for a new head coach. As the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, Johnson has played a crucial role in the team’s offensive transformation, helping the Lions become one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. His success in Detroit has made him a prime candidate for head coaching positions, with teams like the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints reportedly interested in bringing him on board.

However, according to NFL insiders, Johnson’s decision to leave the Lions for another opportunity would not be made lightly. There are specific criteria that must be met for him to consider making a move to any of these teams. Here’s a breakdown of the factors that would influence his decision to leave Detroit for the Bears, Jets, or Saints.

1. Team Stability and Organizational Support

One of the most important factors in Johnson’s potential decision is the overall stability of the organization. The Lions, under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, have established a clear and positive direction for the team. The Lions are building a solid foundation, and Johnson has become a key part of that equation.

For Johnson to leave Detroit, any team he would consider must offer a similarly stable environment. The Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints are all franchises with their own strengths, but they also have question marks that could affect Johnson’s decision.

• Chicago Bears: The Bears have a promising young quarterback in Justin Fields, but the team is still in the early stages of its rebuilding process. Chicago has struggled to establish consistency in recent years, and while they have a strong defensive unit, their offensive struggles have been well-documented. Johnson would need to assess whether the Bears’ organizational leadership is committed to providing him with the resources and support necessary to turn around the offense.
• New York Jets: The Jets’ situation is more complicated, with instability at the quarterback position a major issue. Despite a solid defense, the offense has faltered, and the team’s search for a long-term solution at quarterback has yet to yield positive results. Johnson would need to determine whether the Jets are serious about improving their offensive line and acquiring the right pieces to run his system effectively.
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints, on the other hand, are an established team with a well-respected coaching staff and a relatively stable organization. The uncertainty surrounding the future of quarterback Derek Carr could be a factor for Johnson, as he will want to work with a quarterback who fits his offensive philosophy. However, the Saints’ competitive roster and strong ownership might provide a compelling reason for Johnson to consider this option.

2. Quarterback and Offensive Philosophy Fit

A critical part of Johnson’s success in Detroit has been his ability to maximize the potential of quarterback Jared Goff, who has thrived under Johnson’s offensive system. Goff’s ability to make quick decisions and execute a wide range of offensive concepts has allowed Johnson to be creative and implement a dynamic scheme that benefits the entire offense.

When considering a potential move to a new team, Johnson will want to ensure that the quarterback situation aligns with his offensive philosophy.

• Chicago Bears: Justin Fields has shown flashes of potential, but his development as a passer has been inconsistent. Johnson would need to evaluate whether he believes Fields can thrive in his system and whether the Bears’ offensive line is capable of providing the protection necessary for a successful passing game.
• New York Jets: The quarterback situation in New York is a major question mark. While Zach Wilson has shown some potential, he has been inconsistent, and the Jets’ offense has struggled to establish any kind of rhythm. Johnson may be hesitant to take on the challenge of developing another young quarterback, especially if the Jets don’t provide the right resources to support the offense.
• New Orleans Saints: Derek Carr has been a stable presence at quarterback for the Saints, and his experience could make him an attractive option for Johnson. If Carr continues to show signs of improvement, the Saints could be an appealing destination for Johnson, especially if he feels he can build a more dynamic offense around him.

3. Personal and Family Considerations

Another key factor that could influence Johnson’s decision is his personal situation. Coaching in the NFL requires significant time and commitment, which can strain family life. Johnson, like many NFL coaches, will weigh how a potential move impacts his family and personal life. The team’s location, the level of stress involved, and the overall work-life balance will be factors that Johnson considers as he weighs his options.

• Chicago Bears: As a Midwest team, the Bears could be an attractive option for Johnson, especially if he has ties to the region. However, the potential instability of the Bears’ offense may factor into his decision.
• New York Jets: The Jets’ location in the New York metro area offers major media exposure, but also the added pressure that comes with it. If Johnson prefers a more low-key environment, this could be a turnoff.
• New Orleans Saints: New Orleans offers a different dynamic with a rich football culture and a competitive roster, but the pressure of playing in a high-profile division with a veteran roster might be a factor.

4. The Right Opportunity for Growth

Lastly, Johnson’s decision will come down to the potential for growth in the new role. While he’s already established himself as a top offensive coordinator, a move to one of these teams must offer the right career trajectory.

• Chicago Bears: The Bears are in the middle of a rebuild, and Johnson may see an opportunity to be part of that process, though he may also worry about job security if the team doesn’t progress as expected.
• New York Jets: A move to the Jets could offer Johnson a chance to turn around a struggling franchise, but the pressure of high expectations may also come with risks.
• New Orleans Saints: The Saints offer a more established roster, but with it comes the expectation of immediate results.

Ultimately, Ben Johnson’s decision will hinge on a combination of factors: team stability, quarterback fit, organizational support, and personal considerations. If the Bears, Jets, or Saints can meet his criteria, there’s a real possibility he could leave the Lions to lead a new franchise.