The final two NFL teams with head coaching positions are conducting their final interviews this week, meaning the Detroit Lions could be looking to replace one or both of their coordinators soon.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is scheduled to meet with both the Washington Commanders and Seattle Seahawks for a second time this week, while defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will meet with the Commanders for a second time on Tuesday. I plan to do it. ESPN reported.
Johnson is considered the top candidate for the manager’s job, and his departure would fill a big hole on the Lions’ coaching staff.
“I’m not worried about that yet,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said Monday. “I’ll get at least two hours of sleep before I start. But I’m not going to rush[to get the job done when it’s available]. I can promise you that. I’m not in a huge hurry.” See if that’s correct. I’ll try it. ”
[ To access exclusive Detroit Lions analysis, become a Free Press subscriber with this special deal. ]
Johnson’s profile has skyrocketed since he was promoted from tight ends coach to passing game coordinator midway through the 2021 season after Campbell stripped then-offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn of play-calling duties.
Johnson took over as offensive coordinator in 2022, when the Lions finished fifth in the NFL in scoring (26.6 points), and this year Johnson’s offense improved in most major statistical categories.
trend: It’s hard to say how long the Lions window will remain open, but it doesn’t seem like it’s going to close anytime soon.
The Lions, who won 12 games in the regular season and lost to the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s NFC Championship Game, are averaging slightly more points per game this year (27.1 points) than last year and are top five in the league in total yards. I entered and gave chase. , passing, scoring, red zone offense.
Johnson is considered one of the NFL’s most creative play-callers, and players said during Monday’s locker cleanout that they would miss him if he took a head coaching job elsewhere in 2024. .
“Ben is one of the smartest people I’ve ever met and anything he decides to do, especially on the football side, he’s very successful at it because he has a great attacking mind. “But he’s also a great human being and a great person and a leader,” center Frank Ragnow said.
He added that coaches always say “it’s not the play, it’s the players,” and the group is “ready to handle whatever happens, whether he stays or leaves.” “I think everyone will understand that,” he added.
[ Lions fans: Celebrate a renaissance 2023 season with this new book from the Free Press, “From Grit to Glory.” ]
The Lions are expected to return the majority of their strong offensive line next season.
Quarterback Jared Goff, running backs Jamil Gibbs and David Montgomery, receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalife Raymond, tight end Sam LaPorta, and the team’s offensive five. Three-thirds have contracts until 2024.
Pending free agents Josh Reynolds and Graham Glasgow said Monday they have mutual interest in returning next season. Left guard Jonah Jackson is the only other starter scheduled to become a free agent in March.
Ragnow joked that he would fight to prevent Johnson from taking offensive line coach Hank Fraley to his next destination. Fraley is a leading candidate to join Johnson as offensive coordinator, but Johnson will likely continue with play-calling duties in his next role.
“We may have to put a clause in the contract now,” Ragnow said. “If Hank leaves, I’m out. Just kidding, but seriously – Hank has been one of the biggest blessings to my career, so I really hope he stays.”
The Lions have a number of players on the ball, including passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, assistant head coach Scotty Montgomery, receivers coach Antoine Randle El on offense, and linebackers coach Kelvin Shepard on defense. We have several internal coordinator candidates on both sides. Engstrand is also reportedly a candidate for the New England Patriots’ vacant offensive coordinator position, and Randle El interviewed virtually for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ OC job last week.
more: Jared Goff is nearing a huge contract extension, the deal is in the hands of his agent
Many top coordinator candidates, including new Philadelphia Eagles coordinators Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio, new Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, and new Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen. came off the market early in the hiring cycle. Mr Campbell indicated he would conduct an extensive search for Mr Johnson’s replacement “if that happens”.
“It’s obviously very important,” he said. “So he was an important piece for us. He was an important piece.”
Contact Dave Birkett. [email protected].follow him @Dave Burkett.
Stay up to date on what’s happening across Michigan. Subscribe to email news alerts.