The Competitive Landscape for NFL Head Coach Openings
The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing as teams look to reposition themselves for future success. With numerous franchises parting ways with head coaches, the search for new leadership is on. Among those teams are the New York Jets, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots. At the center of this whirlwind of potential candidates is Ben Johnson, currently the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, who has seen his star rise in recent seasons.
Ben Johnson's Selective Approach
Ben Johnson’s discerning approach to potential head coaching roles has been well-documented. "Ben Johnson has been clear he won't interview with every team looking to fill the role," according to recent reports. His selective nature stems largely from the desire to find a team with a stable and promising quarterback situation. As an insider noted, "He would be more interested if the Jets' quarterback situation was more solid."
Johnson has good reasons to be selective. The Lions, under his guidance, secured the number one seed with a stellar 15-2 record, owing much of their success to a potent offense. With Jared Goff at the helm, the Lions boast a 72.4% completion rate, second in yards per pass attempt, and are third in passing touchdowns. Their rushing attack also ranks impressively in the top ten across various metrics, showcasing a well-rounded offensive capability that reflects Johnson’s proficiency.
A Mixed Bag in the NFL Coaching Market
Despite the wide pool of NFL teams searching for new head coaches, it is evident that not all positions are equally attractive. The New York Jets, who recently dismissed head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas mid-season, ended their season with a disappointing 5-12 record. Jeff Ulbrich’s tenure as interim head coach did not yield the turnaround many hoped for.
However, the Jets are not resting on their laurels. Armed with the seventh overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, they are actively interviewing candidates in hopes of revamping their sideline leadership. Among those being considered for the top job is Aaron Glenn, the Lions' defensive coordinator.
Interestingly, despite the potential fit, the Jets have not formally requested an interview with Johnson, perhaps cognizant of his particular criteria for engagement or perhaps betting on different strategic fits for their organization.
Challenges Facing Other Teams
The coaching vacancies are not limited to the Jets. The Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots are also on the lookout for new head coaches. The Bears parted ways with Matt Eberflus post-Thanksgiving, the Jaguars released Doug Pederson, and the Patriots moved on from Jerod Mayo. Each team has unique challenges and needs which will undoubtedly influence the type of head coach they pursue.
For Johnson, whose current salary hovers around $5 million, the decision to transition into a head coach role is certainly not purely financial. The NFL landscape is teeming with promise but fraught with risk, especially for teams trying to rebuild. Johnson's high standards likely reflect an understanding of these complexities and an aspiration to find a scenario where he can maintain the success he’s experienced with Detroit.
Balancing Career Ambitions and Strategic Decisions
The ever-evolving dynamics of NFL team management entail a calculated approach by candidates like Johnson, seeking not just the title of head coach, but a sustainable and promising position conducive to long-term success. As various franchises vie for uprising coaches amid a competitive landscape, clarity of vision and opportunity alignment remain key in the pursuit of new leadership.
In the coming days, the settling dust will reveal which coaches decide to embrace these new opportunities, sculpting the future narrative of the league.