0In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where success can hinge on one or two key decisions, coaches, players, and even front office personnel must often play the long game. For Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, playing that game in the public eye—through the media—has become a tool for strategic advantage, particularly in leveraging the interest of teams like the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s an unexpected, yet clever, move that might be adding more fuel to the competitive fire for both Johnson’s current team and the organizations that could be eyeing him for a future head coaching job.
In recent months, Ben Johnson has gained recognition for his innovative offensive schemes and leadership qualities, which have transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the most dangerous in the NFL. As rumors swirl about his potential as a head coaching candidate, especially with teams like the Bears, Raiders, and Jaguars looking for leadership, Johnson has seemingly used the media as a tool to stoke the flames of competition between these teams—essentially making them vying for his services.
Let’s dive into how Johnson is carefully playing the media game and what this means for the Bears, Raiders, Jaguars, and ultimately the Lions.
### The Rising Star: Ben Johnson’s Role in Detroit
Ben Johnson’s journey to prominence has been relatively quick but well-deserved. After starting as an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins in 2018, Johnson moved to Detroit in 2021 as the Lions’ passing game coordinator. His true breakthrough came when the Lions promoted him to offensive coordinator in 2022, after a rough start to the season under head coach Dan Campbell. Under Johnson’s direction, the Lions’ offense made a marked improvement, finishing the 2022 season as one of the most explosive units in the league, setting records in total yards, passing efficiency, and points scored.
One of Johnson’s signature strategies is his ability to maximize quarterback Jared Goff’s potential, turning the once-criticized signal-caller into a legitimate MVP candidate. This success has caught the attention of other teams, including the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars, all of whom have had recent struggles at the quarterback position and could benefit from a strong offensive mind like Johnson’s.
While the Lions’ offense continues to thrive under Johnson’s leadership, his growing reputation as an offensive mastermind has turned him into a prime candidate for head coaching positions. But Johnson, knowing his value, may not be rushing to take just any job—especially with a potential bidding war brewing among teams that need his talents.
### The Media Game: Stirring the Pot with Rival Teams
Ben Johnson is no stranger to media attention, but recently, he seems to have been using it to his advantage. Coaches in high demand—especially offensive minds—often find themselves at the center of rumors and speculation. However, Johnson has taken it a step further by subtly fueling the fire, positioning himself as the object of desire for a select group of NFL teams.
Let’s look at the three teams that have been most prominently linked to Johnson: the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
#### Chicago Bears: The QB Dilemma
The Bears’ coaching staff has been under intense scrutiny ever since their failed experiment with head coach Matt Nagy and their struggles to develop young quarterback Justin Fields. Fields is a talent with a rare combination of arm strength and running ability, but his development has been stunted by inconsistent offensive play-calling and a lack of protection. The Bears have long been looking for a solution to unlock Fields’ potential, and Johnson—who has proven that he can shape an offense around a quarterback’s unique strengths—fits that bill perfectly.
As Johnson’s name has come up in connection with the Bears, it’s clear that the team could be looking to make a big splash by hiring someone who can help develop Fields into a top-tier quarterback. The Chicago media has amplified these rumors, making Johnson the subject of intense interest. Johnson, whether intentionally or not, has let the rumors build, knowing that the Bears, with their extensive resources, could be willing to offer a large salary or head coaching position to attract him.
By allowing these stories to swirl, Johnson is essentially driving up his own value and creating a sense of urgency within the Bears’ organization. After all, the more teams interested in him, the more leverage Johnson gains in his potential negotiations.
#### Las Vegas Raiders: The High-Profile QB Situation
The Las Vegas Raiders have become the epitome of dysfunction in recent seasons. After a promising start with Derek Carr under center, the team found itself in need of a change at quarterback and head coach. In 2023, the Raiders brought in Jimmy Garoppolo, but questions about the franchise’s long-term direction linger. Head coach Josh McDaniels, whose own job security is being scrutinized, has struggled to build a consistent offense, and the Raiders’ defense has held them back from being serious contenders in the AFC West.
For the Raiders, signing a head coach who can put the offense back on track and turn Garoppolo (or potentially another quarterback) into a winning signal-caller is crucial. Johnson’s ability to structure an offense that maximizes a quarterback’s strengths is precisely what the Raiders need. However, with Las Vegas facing a long list of needs, the Raiders also have other options to consider.
In this environment, Johnson’s growing media presence serves as a signal to the Raiders that their competition for his services is intense. By allowing rumors to spread, Johnson is encouraging a bidding war between the Raiders and other interested teams.
#### Jacksonville Jaguars: The Continuity Factor
While the Jacksonville Jaguars seem like they’ve found their quarterback of the future in Trevor Lawrence, there’s still work to be done to build a high-octane offense around him. Jacksonville has come a long way under head coach Doug Pederson, but if they are to contend in a competitive AFC, they need an offensive coordinator who can ensure that Lawrence continues to develop and that the offensive scheme remains one of the league’s best.
Johnson’s ability to tailor offenses to the strengths of his quarterback is an appealing trait for the Jaguars. Jacksonville has an elite defense, a rising star in Lawrence, and a well-respected coaching staff, but they still need an offensive mind who can consistently put up points.
While the Jaguars are less likely to let their offensive coordinator search become a media frenzy, Johnson’s reputation for innovation could pique their interest. Like the Bears and Raiders, Jacksonville needs to ensure that it’s at the front of the line if they plan to make a run at Johnson. Johnson’s subtle media play serves as a reminder that there are other teams with comparable needs, which in turn keeps the Jaguars on alert.
### What’s at Stake for the Lions?
As the head coaching rumors continue to build around Johnson, his ability to leverage the interest of multiple teams may have one important side effect: It could make it harder for the Detroit Lions to keep him in the fold. While Johnson has found a great situation in Detroit, if the bidding war for his services continues to intensify, the Lions may face competition from franchises with deeper pockets and more attractive long-term prospects.
For the Lions, it’s vital that they either lock up Johnson with a lucrative extension or ensure that his value is recognized internally, so they don’t lose him to one of these high-profile teams. Johnson’s media savvy in keeping teams like the Bears, Raiders, and Jaguars on edge is a clear attempt to maximize his leverage and ensure he gets a contract reflective of his market value.
### Conclusion
Ben Johnson has quickly risen to the top of NFL offensive minds, and as a result, he’s being pursued by some of the league’s most high-profile teams. By strategically using the media to keep the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and Jacksonville Jaguars on edge, Johnson is not only raising his profile but also maximizing his value. For these teams, the pressure to secure Johnson’s services could lead to a bidding war, ultimately benefiting the Lions or any other team lucky enough to land the young and talented coach. For now, it remains to be seen where Johnson’s future lies, but one thing is certain: his ability to manipulate the media and drive competition will only enhance his stock moving forward.