NOTE: BREAKING NEWS has Ben Johnson staying in Detroit for the 2024 season
Rest of article is now VOID. Go Bears!!!!
#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed the #Seahawks and #Commanders that he’s staying in Detroit, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2024
Johnson is still only 37 and will be a hot head coaching candidate again next year. But first, he wants to take another shot at bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Detroit. pic.twitter.com/lPg2Po33sx
When Ryan Poles was hired to be the general manager of the Chicago Bears, he told the media and fans that his main goal was to take over the NFC North. He made the comment:
"We are going to take the North and never give it back." Now, fans of the other NFC North teams make fun of the phrase since Chicago has finished dead last in the division two years in a row. Even Bears fans say it sarcastically at times. Well, 2024 needs to have a better outcome and one move this offseason could help guarantee that happens despite the move not being up to the Bears.
With the Detroit Lions collapsing in Bears fashion on Sunday vs. the 49ers, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a hot name to land a head coaching position.
From @NFLTotalAccess: A big few days loom for #Lions OC Ben Johnson and #Ravens DC Mike Macdonald, among other top candidates. pic.twitter.com/fvlQofx3jx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2024
With only two head coaching vacancies left, Ben Johnson is expected to meet with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders. Most rumors are pointing to Johnson landing with the Commanders, but it might not be a done deal yet. Well, the best way to make the playoffs is to dominate your division, and the Bears could benefit from Ben Johnson leaving the NFC North.
Jared Goff has been a solid NFL quarterback, but he struggled at times under Sean McVay. Ben Johnson on the other hand was able to unlock Goff to the point that some thought he should be an MVP candidate. Dan Campbell is well-liked as the Lions' head coach, but he's a defensive-minded coach and it's possible that losing Johnson could set the Lions offense back.
The Chicago Bears moved on from Luke Getsy and have added Shane Waldron as their new offensive coordinator. It will be great for the Bears and fans to see Ben Johnson leave, while Shane Waldron finds success. Johnson leaving is obviously not a decision the Bears can make, but it is one that could benefit the franchise — at least in the short term. Kirk Cousins could be done with the Vikings too, leaving the NFC North for the taking once again.
You can only control what you can control. My hope is that Ryan Poles owns the offseason by signing significant free agents (not necessarily the highest-paid) and nails the 2024 NFL Draft. However, I can't help but like the idea of seeing Ben Johnson leave the NFC North, hopefully closing the Lions' window even faster than it opened.