Breaking News: Mark Brunell Discloses Ben Johnson’s Coaching Ambition for 2025….. see more

In a surprising twist of offseason speculation, former NFL quarterback and current Detroit Lions assistant coach Mark Brunell has hinted at where Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson could be coaching in 2025. While details remain somewhat unclear, this revelation has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, fueling rumors about Johnson’s next move amid his growing reputation as one of the most sought-after coaching talents in the league.

The Rise of Ben Johnson

Ben Johnson’s ascension to the role of offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions has been nothing short of impressive. Taking over the position in 2022, Johnson quickly turned the Lions’ offense into one of the most dynamic units in the league. Under his guidance, quarterback Jared Goff revitalized his career, the running game became one of the league’s best, and the team’s overall offensive scheme became more efficient and unpredictable. Johnson’s ability to mix tempo, motion, and play-action has made the Lions’ offense one of the hardest to defend in the NFL.

Prior to his tenure as offensive coordinator, Johnson served as the Lions’ tight ends coach and passing game coordinator, where he earned a reputation for his innovative offensive strategies and ability to maximize the talents of his players. His work with Goff, as well as the emergence of playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and a steadily improving offensive line, has caught the attention of fans, analysts, and other NFL teams.

It was only a matter of time before Johnson’s name began to pop up in head coaching rumors, and in 2024, his stock reached new heights as his offense led the Lions to one of their best seasons in recent history. He received interview requests for multiple head coaching vacancies in the offseason, further confirming his potential to become a future NFL head coach.

Mark Brunell’s Comments: A Glimpse Into Johnson’s 2025 Plans?

Mark Brunell, a long-time NFL quarterback who currently serves as a quarterbacks coach for the Lions, recently made comments that have added fuel to the fire of Ben Johnson’s impending coaching future. During an interview, Brunell was asked about Johnson’s impact on the Lions’ offense, and he dropped a subtle, yet telling, remark about Johnson’s plans for the future.

“I think Ben has the potential to be a head coach in this league very soon. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s leading a team in 2025,” Brunell said. “He’s got the right mindset and work ethic. I’ve heard him talk about some of the places he could see himself coaching, and there’s no doubt that he’s ready for the next step.”

While Brunell didn’t specify which teams Johnson is targeting, his comments strongly suggested that the young offensive mind is planning to make the leap to a head coach position sooner rather than later. As one of the most coveted offensive coordinators in the NFL, Johnson has earned a reputation for being a bright, forward-thinking coach with a deep understanding of modern NFL offenses. His ability to adjust and adapt his schemes to his players’ strengths has made him an ideal candidate for a head coach role.

Potential Destinations for Ben Johnson in 2025

If Johnson does indeed plan to pursue a head coaching role in 2025, several teams could be in play for his services. The NFL is known for its coaching turnover, and by 2025, a number of franchises could be in need of a fresh perspective to lead them. Here are a few possible destinations for Johnson, based on current trends and the league’s appetite for innovative offensive minds:

1. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers, after parting ways with former head coach Frank Reich, may be looking for a head coach who can develop quarterback Bryce Young. Johnson’s ability to elevate Goff’s play could make him an ideal fit for helping Young become the franchise quarterback Carolina hopes for.

2. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts have had several coaching changes over the past few seasons and could be looking for a young, offensive-minded head coach to mold their young quarterback, Anthony Richardson. Johnson’s reputation for adapting offensive schemes to young quarterbacks could make him a prime target for Indianapolis.

3. Washington Commanders

With the Commanders in a state of flux, a change at the head coach position could be in the cards. Washington has shown flashes of offensive potential, and Johnson could be the right fit to help their young quarterbacks, such as Sam Howell, reach their potential.

4. Arizona Cardinals

After moving on from Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona could be looking for a coach who can revitalize their offense and build around quarterback Kyler Murray. Johnson’s innovative and adaptable offensive scheme might be just what the Cardinals need to get back on track.

5. Chicago Bears

The Bears, who have struggled to find consistent success under head coach Matt Eberflus, could look to make a change by 2025. With Justin Fields showing potential as a dual-threat quarterback, an offensive mind like Johnson’s could help unlock Fields’ full potential.

The Future of the Detroit Lions

While the speculation surrounding Ben Johnson’s future is mounting, the Lions are also in a critical phase of their own development. As Johnson’s stock continues to rise, it will be up to Detroit to keep him in the fold for as long as possible. With quarterback Jared Goff in his prime and a strong supporting cast, the Lions could make a deep playoff run in the coming seasons, which might be enough to convince Johnson to stay a little longer and pursue a head coaching job with a team that aligns with his vision.

However, if the opportunity for a head coaching job arises in 2025, it may be difficult for the Lions to retain him. Johnson’s success with Detroit has already positioned him as one of the NFL’s rising stars, and his ability to lead a team to success on offense could soon translate into a leading role at the highest level.

Conclusion

The NFL coaching landscape is constantly shifting, and the future of Ben Johnson seems destined for great things. Mark Brunell’s comments suggest that Johnson could be eyeing a head coaching opportunity as soon as 2025, with several teams potentially vying for his services. Whether or not the Lions can hold onto their offensive coordinator long-term remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Ben Johnson is on the fast track to becoming one of the most influential coaches in the NFL.