The Detroit Lions have been on a meteoric rise in the NFL, making significant strides under the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell. One of the most crucial components of the Lions’ success has been the offensive brilliance of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions’ offense has become one of the league’s most dynamic, blending a potent passing attack with a balanced running game. However, with Johnson now being a hot commodity in the coaching world, the Lions may soon face the prospect of replacing him.
The potential loss of Johnson—who is reportedly a candidate for several head coaching vacancies around the league—could be a major blow to a unit that has become one of the league’s most efficient and exciting. If the Lions do lose their offensive coordinator, they will need to find a suitable replacement who can maintain the team’s upward trajectory, continue developing quarterback Jared Goff, and ensure the offensive unit remains potent.
Here’s a look at the top five candidates to replace Ben Johnson and lead the Detroit Lions’ offense.
### 1. **Shane Steichen – Offensive Coordinator, Indianapolis Colts**
Shane Steichen has quickly emerged as one of the most respected offensive minds in the NFL. After his successful tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he helped mold Jalen Hurts into an MVP-caliber quarterback, Steichen has proven his ability to elevate the play of young quarterbacks and implement dynamic offenses. His offensive schemes feature a perfect blend of run-pass options (RPOs), tempo-based offenses, and innovative pass designs, all of which would mesh well with the Lions’ current roster.
Steichen’s experience with mobile quarterbacks like Hurts would be an attractive asset for the Lions, especially given the mobility of Jared Goff in the pocket. While Goff isn’t as mobile as Hurts, Steichen’s ability to adapt to the strengths of his quarterback makes him an intriguing candidate for Detroit.
Additionally, Steichen has shown the ability to maximize the talents of offensive skill players, an area where the Lions have an abundance of talent—most notably with running back David Montgomery, rookie Jahmyr Gibbs, and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Under Steichen, Detroit’s offense could evolve into a more diverse and unpredictable unit that challenges opposing defenses on every play.
### 2. **Klint Kubiak – Offensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings (Former)**
Klint Kubiak has a name with serious NFL pedigree, as the son of legendary coach Gary Kubiak. Klint spent the past few years coaching for the Minnesota Vikings, most recently as their offensive coordinator. While Kubiak may not have had the same high-profile success as some other offensive minds, his coaching journey has been marked by steady improvement and an understanding of what it takes to run a successful offense.
Kubiak spent time working under both Gary Kubiak and Kevin Stefanski, two well-respected coaches in the league, giving him a strong foundation in offensive principles. His work with quarterbacks like Kirk Cousins and his ability to optimize the Vikings’ offense would translate well in Detroit. Kubiak’s balanced approach between the run and pass game would be a good fit with the Lions’ personnel, particularly with a stable of talented running backs.
The Kubiak offense is known for its zone-running schemes, which could mesh well with Detroit’s current offensive line, a group that has been one of the best in the league in recent years. With his experience managing both young quarterbacks and established veterans, Kubiak would be well-suited to continue developing Jared Goff’s game while maintaining the run-first philosophy that the Lions have leaned into under Ben Johnson.
### 3. **Mike LaFleur – Former Offensive Coordinator, New York Jets**
Mike LaFleur’s name has been floating around the NFL as a potential offensive coordinator for several teams since his tenure with the New York Jets came to an end. LaFleur, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, has developed a reputation for running an innovative, high-tempo offense that features a heavy emphasis on the passing game. His offense relies on quick, precise throws, motion, and play-action, making it a natural fit for the Detroit Lions, who have one of the most efficient passing games in the NFL with Jared Goff at the helm.
LaFleur was known for his ability to maximize his quarterbacks, despite working with an underwhelming group in New York. Under his leadership, the Jets offense was built on a mix of quick passing plays and RPOs, which helped to create open lanes for players like Garrett Wilson. The Lions have a similar arsenal of talent on offense, with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta. With LaFleur’s proficiency in the passing game and his ability to develop young quarterbacks, he could be an ideal candidate to continue Goff’s growth and lead a more explosive Lions offense in the future.
LaFleur’s offense would also help elevate the play of Detroit’s skill players, bringing a more spread-out, high-tempo approach that could keep defenses guessing. Given his experience in high-pressure situations and his success working with quarterbacks like Zach Wilson, LaFleur could bring a fresh perspective to the Lions’ offense.
### 4. **Eric Bieniemy – Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders**
Eric Bieniemy’s candidacy for head coaching positions has been a point of much debate for several years. Known for his work as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, Bieniemy is widely considered one of the top offensive minds in the game today. Although he didn’t get the head coaching job he hoped for, his move to Washington to serve as the Commanders’ offensive coordinator provides him with the opportunity to prove himself even further.
Bieniemy’s ability to design explosive, fast-paced offenses has been a cornerstone of his career, particularly in Kansas City, where he worked alongside Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. His system relies heavily on vertical passing concepts, misdirection, and a strong commitment to the running game—all of which could work well with the Lions’ personnel.
Detroit’s offensive line and stable of running backs would give Bieniemy the tools to establish a potent ground attack, while his innovative passing concepts would complement Goff’s strengths. Bieniemy has proven that he can elevate his quarterback’s game, and under his tutelage, Goff could continue to play at a high level while benefiting from a system that maximizes the Lions’ offensive potential.
### 5. **Greg Roman – Former Offensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens**
Greg Roman is a name that has generated interest for several offensive coordinator positions after his time in Baltimore. Roman is known for his ability to run a power-running attack, particularly with mobile quarterbacks. However, his experience stretches beyond just the running game; Roman has also developed creative passing concepts, especially for quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson.
Roman’s ability to build an offense around his quarterback’s strengths could be a perfect fit for Jared Goff. While Goff isn’t as mobile as Lamar Jackson, Roman’s system utilizes a strong commitment to the run game while providing enough opportunities in the passing game for quarterbacks to thrive. Detroit’s offensive line, one of the best in the league, would be a natural fit for Roman’s power-running scheme.
Roman’s experience in creating hybrid offenses that combine the run and pass effectively could help the Lions strike a perfect balance between the two. His ability to adapt his playcalling to the strengths of his personnel would be a boon for a team that is still developing but already has a solid foundation of offensive talent.
### Conclusion: The Lions’ Path Forward
Ben Johnson has undoubtedly played a huge role in the Detroit Lions’ resurgence, but his potential departure presents an opportunity for the team to find a replacement who can continue the momentum. Whether it’s a high-tempo offensive mind like Shane Steichen, a run-focused coordinator like Greg Roman, or someone who can craft an innovative passing game like Mike LaFleur, the Lions have multiple viable candidates to lead their offense moving forward.
The key for Detroit is finding someone who can work seamlessly with Jared Goff and continue to develop the team’s young skill players. With the right hire, the Lions’ offense could remain one of the most potent in the NFL and help propel them to sustained success for years to come. The next offensive coordinator will have big shoes to fill, but with the right strategy and vision, Detroit could continue its rise as an NFC powerhouse.