Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
We clarified on Saturday that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s process for evaluating potential coaching opportunities is still in “The first stage“Saturday night’s loss to the Leaders may have brought the analysis back to square one.
As one source familiar with the situation said Sunday, there are “a lot of moving parts” for Johnson — and it remains to be seen whether the disappointing end to the 2024 season makes him more or less likely to return to the Lions for another run.
Some attach importance to what the Raiders interviewed for Assistant GM Lance Newmark for GM position on Sunday. Newmark has worked with Johnson in Detroit, and some believe Newmark is the best option for Johnson to ensure the “chemistry” with the front office he craves.
However, according to the source, this “doesn’t mean much at the moment.”
With the Lions out, Johnson could conduct face-to-face interviews as soon as tomorrow. The Bears, Jaguars, Raiders and Patriots interviewed him virtually during Wild Card Week. Other teams could also interview him now, including the Cowboys and Saints. (The Jets have not yet shown any interest in Johnson, and are not expected to do so.)
Staying in Detroit was a viable option for Johnson while the Lions were still alive. Now that they are two games shy of the Super Bowl, will next year be considered a season of unfinished business?
