Weeks after NFL Network reported that the Bears’ head coaching vacancy “intrigued” Ben Johnson, there’s reportedly “chatter” that the Lions’ offensive coordinator — a play-calling mastermind at the top of teams’ lists last cycle and again this year — wants the Jaguars’ job if Jacksonville fires Doug Pederson as expected, according to Pro Football Talk.
But, the outlet added, Johnson might want to have a say in hiring “his own personnel executive” with the Jaguars also needing to decide on the future of general manager Trent Baalke.
Johnson, who rose through the Lions’ organization from offensive quality control coach in 2019 to offensive coordinator in 2022, has orchestrated a Detroit offense averaging the most points per game (33.3) and the second-most yards per game behind just the Ravens (410.5) this season — with the Lions sitting at 14-2 and possessing a chance at clinching the NFC’s top seed for the postseason.
But until Johnson commits to a head coaching job, he’ll always carry an element of mystique.
He emerged as one of the top candidates during the coaching cycle that followed the 2023 season, but Johnson changed his mind right before a second interview, pulled out of the Commanders’ search while executives were en route and opted for another season with the Lions.
Pro Football Talk also reported Sunday that some people believe Johnson won’t leave Detroit “this year or ever.”
Still, if he bolts for a head coaching job this offseason, the Jaguars would offer the potential to work with former No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence and promising receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who erupted for 1,179 yards and 10 touchdowns during his rookie campaign.
The organization has been in a tailspin since the middle of 2023, though, when an 8-3 start spiraled out of control and ended with Jacksonville missing the postseason.
Then, in 2024, they started 2-10, sit at 4-12 entering Week 18 against the Colts and watched as Lawrence — already fighting through injuries this year — took a crushing hit against the Texans on Dec. 21 that knocked him out for the rest of the season.
Somehow, Pederson has lasted until the end of the season despite speculation that Jacksonville could move on from the Super Bowl-winning coach during their Week 12 bye.
They’ll need to decide on the future of Baalke — who hired Urban Meyer in 2021 and then Pederson the following year — and what to do at general manager, too.
And if they decide to pursue Johnson, the Jaguars will need to fend off other teams that could include the Bears and their pitch to work with Caleb Williams.
