The agent of Ben Johnson refutes the rumor about the Lions’ offensive coordinator pursuing a head coaching contract with an annual salary of $15 million.
The cost of hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as a head coach may not be as high as initially anticipated. According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, some NFL owners were informed that Johnson is expected to request approximately $15 million per year for a head coaching contract. However, Johnson’s agent, Richmond Flowers, has refuted this claim.
This potential asking price is significant, especially for someone who has not previously served as a head coach in the NFL. Nevertheless, Johnson seems to have considerable leverage, with Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reporting in November that he is believed to be “the most coveted candidate in this hiring cycle.”
Although Johnson interviewed with the Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts last offseason, he ultimately chose to remain with the Lions as the offensive coordinator. This decision has proven beneficial for the Lions, who currently lead the NFC North with a 10-4 record and boast an offense ranked third in yards and fifth in points in the league. In the previous season, Detroit finished fourth in yards and fifth in points under Johnson’s guidance.
Before taking on the role of offensive coordinator, Johnson spent seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins from 2012 to 2018. In 2019, he served as an offensive quality control coach for the Lions and then coached tight ends for two seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Throughout the current season, Detroit’s offense has excelled, featuring playmakers like Jared Goff, David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. Any team in need of an offensive boost could benefit significantly from hiring Johnson for the upcoming 2024 campaign.
However, Johnson’s immediate focus remains on helping the Lions secure their first playoff victory since the 1991 season. If he achieves this milestone, his legacy in Detroit will likely be remembered fondly, even if he decides to pursue a head coaching position elsewhere next season.
