Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has opted not to fill head coaching vacancies this year, in part because he wants to enjoy Detroit’s sudden salad days more. Johnson’s recent comments also addressed the quality of the positions he could be considered for.
Johnson pointed to the eight head coaching jobs filled earlier this year and said the following: “I would say there’s a good chance five of them will be out of a job within three years.”
That honestly applies to every year. Bad teams often stay bad. Good teams usually don’t change coaches. Currently, the only guaranteed job would be in Kansas City if/when Andy Reid retires.
Good luck getting that job. While Johnson would likely be a candidate if he’s available when it opens, there will be a land rush to Missouri if the opportunity ever arises to hitch someone’s coach wagon to Patrick Mahomes.
“I’m not ready to take the other path yet,” Johnson said, “unless I feel really good about how it’s going to unfold.”
He pointed to ownership, personnel and the ability to retain play-calling duties as key factors. He also said he has no doubt he is ready to become a head coach.
Either way, if Johnson waits for a perfect situation, he might wait a while. Rarely, if ever, are teams with perfect situations looking for a new coach.
