The New Orleans Saints’ search for their next head coach has been one of the most talked-about storylines in the NFL offseason. After parting ways with Dennis Allen, the team is looking to fill the void with someone who can take the Saints back to playoff contention and, perhaps, guide them to a Super Bowl in the coming years. As the coaching carousel spins, one name that has increasingly become associated with the Saints’ search is Ben Johnson, the dynamic offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. His innovative coaching style, ability to develop young talent, and impressive track record have made him one of the hottest coaching candidates in the NFL.
Yet, as of this writing, Ben Johnson has yet to land a head coaching gig—and with the Saints’ search moving forward, it leaves a Ben Johnson-shaped hole in the equation. His name has been linked to multiple job openings across the league, but New Orleans seems like an ideal fit for the 37-year-old offensive guru. Let’s explore why the Saints are missing an opportunity to hire Johnson, how his absence could impact their future, and what the team should do next in their search.
#### Ben Johnson: The Offense Guru
For those unfamiliar, Ben Johnson has been a revelation in Detroit, where he has turned the Lions’ offense into one of the most exciting units in the NFL. His rise to prominence has been fast but well-earned. Originally hired by the Lions as a tight ends coach in 2019, Johnson quickly moved up the ranks, first as the passing game coordinator and then to offensive coordinator in 2021. Under his guidance, Detroit’s offense has become a juggernaut, with quarterback Jared Goff playing some of the best football of his career and young weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs thriving.
Johnson’s coaching philosophy blends a heavy emphasis on modern spread concepts with a balance of power running schemes, which has created a potent and unpredictable offense. He’s known for his creativity in the passing game, frequently employing motion, misdirection, and play-action to confuse defenses. His ability to adapt to the strengths of his players, while also developing young talent, has turned the Lions into one of the most promising teams in the NFC.
But what really sets Johnson apart is his leadership. In interviews and interactions with the media, he comes across as a coach who not only understands the X’s and O’s but also knows how to communicate his vision to players, motivate them, and get the best out of them. His calm demeanor, work ethic, and intelligence have made him a favorite among Lions players. And most importantly, Johnson has built a culture in Detroit that focuses on both development and winning. The Lions, historically known for their mediocrity, have become one of the league’s most promising young teams—and a lot of that can be attributed to Johnson’s coaching prowess.
#### Why Ben Johnson Would Be a Perfect Fit for the Saints
Given what we know about Johnson’s coaching abilities and the current state of the New Orleans Saints, it’s easy to see why he would be an ideal fit for the job.
1. **Quarterback Development:**
The Saints have been in search of a stable quarterback since Drew Brees’ retirement in 2020. While they’ve cycled through players like Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and the recently departed Derek Carr, they have yet to find a long-term solution. Johnson’s success in developing quarterbacks—especially Jared Goff, who was often viewed as a system quarterback before his revitalization under Johnson—makes him an appealing candidate. Goff, a former No. 1 overall pick who struggled mightily with the Rams, has flourished in Johnson’s system, and it’s not unreasonable to think he could help a quarterback like Winston (or whomever the Saints bring in) take a significant step forward.
2. **Offensive Innovation:**
The Saints’ offense has lacked a consistent identity in recent years. While they have weapons like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Michael Thomas, their offense has struggled to find rhythm. Johnson’s ability to create mismatches through creative offensive schemes would help reinvigorate the Saints’ attack. His use of motion, play-action, and strategic passing concepts could breathe new life into a team that has had trouble adapting to a modern NFL offense.
3. **Youth Development:**
One of the Saints’ biggest needs is to develop younger players, especially on offense. Chris Olave showed promise in his rookie year, but he could benefit from a coach who knows how to maximize his potential. Additionally, with the Saints having multiple draft picks and the need to rebuild in certain areas, a coach like Johnson, who has a proven track record of developing young talent, could pay huge dividends.
4. **Leadership and Culture Building:**
Johnson has a reputation for being a strong communicator and leader of men. His ability to foster a positive culture would be valuable in New Orleans, where the team has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Johnson’s calm demeanor, paired with his sharp football IQ, would help create a foundation where players are encouraged to grow both individually and as a collective. The Saints need a coach who can unite the locker room, and Johnson has the potential to do that.
#### The Saints’ Current Coaching Search
So, why isn’t Ben Johnson being mentioned more seriously for the Saints’ head coaching job? It’s a good question, and one that many fans and analysts are asking. The answer likely has to do with timing and the internal dynamics of New Orleans’ decision-making process.
For one, the Saints were one of the first teams to begin their head coaching search following the end of the regular season, and while Johnson was linked to a few potential jobs early on, he had already committed to staying with the Lions for at least one more season. As a result, other coaching candidates have risen to the top of New Orleans’ list. The Saints have reportedly been interviewing a range of candidates, including internal options like defensive coordinator Dennis Allen (who has already been the head coach in New Orleans) and external candidates like Frank Reich and Sean Payton’s former coordinators. But none of these candidates seem to offer the same level of offensive innovation and upside that Johnson does.
There’s also the issue of the Lions’ success. With Detroit primed for a playoff push, it’s understandable why Johnson would be reluctant to leave a team that has so much promise. The Lions appear to be on the cusp of something special, and Johnson may feel that finishing what he started in Detroit is more appealing than taking over a Saints team in flux. That said, this very success could also be the reason why teams like the Saints should pursue him—his proven ability to build something from the ground up.
#### The Ben Johnson-Shaped Hole
As the Saints’ coaching search continues, one thing is clear: they are missing out on a potentially transformative head coach. While New Orleans certainly has a list of solid candidates, none have the offensive acumen and developmental track record that Ben Johnson brings to the table. His creativity and leadership could be exactly what the Saints need to reignite their offensive potential and turn the team into an NFC contender once again.
For now, the Ben Johnson-shaped hole in the Saints’ coaching search remains—unfilled and waiting for the right opportunity. Whether the Saints decide to adjust their search strategy or remain focused on other candidates, it’s hard to shake the feeling that they might look back on this moment as one where they missed a golden opportunity to bring in one of the NFL’s brightest young coaching minds.
If the Saints do indeed look elsewhere, they will need to ensure that their next head coach is someone who can not only take advantage of the talent already in place but also build an offensive system that can compete in the modern NFL. Ben Johnson’s name should remain at the forefront of their thinking as they move forward with this crucial decision.
