The offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions Ben Johnson has outlined the specific criteria he considers essential before exiting the team for a head coaching position.

“He has two criteria: organizational alignment and recognition from a team of its mistakes with a willingness to fix them,” SI’s Albert Breer wrote.

“He will sell teams on his vision, to see whether they’re willing to go all in on it.”

Johnson is not believed to be in a hurry to leave the thriving 12-1 Lions organization. He is not actively chasing interviews and is approaching the hiring cycle with a new perspective. According to Breer, Johnson will only take interviews if he has “genuine interest” in the position, emphasizing that he does not want “just a job.”

Breer previously reported that Johnson showed interest in the Chicago Bears head coaching position last year before the team decided to retain Matt Eberflus.

“He was definitely connected to the Chicago job last year. … There were some people who thought that was the one he wanted, and obviously, it didn’t come open,” Breer said during a radio appearance.

Johnson also interviewed with several teams that did have open positions, including the Washington Commanders, Seattle Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Atlanta Falcons, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

He reportedly declined an in-person interview with the Panthers in 2023, despite being considered the frontrunner for the job, per Birkett.

Johnson has remained firm in his stance that, to leave the Lions, the perfect opportunity will need to arise.

“Something that really resonates with me is, OK, eight openings this past year. What would you set the over-under in three years, how many still have jobs?” Johnson told Birkett.

“I’d say there’s a good chance five of them are out of jobs in three years. And so, when I look at it from that perspective, if I get the opportunity to go down that road, it’s about how do I get to that second contract, how do I set myself up that if the stars need to align? I’m not going to do it just to do it.

“I love what I’m doing right now. Love it. Love it. I love where I’m at. My family loves where we’re at. Love the people that we’re doing it with, and so I’m not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it’s going to unfold.”

Despite the potential loss to the Lions, if Johnson decides to advance in the league, head coach Dan Campbell will undoubtedly support his decision, having nothing but high praise for the six-year Detroit coach.

“I think Ben’s a rock star, man,” Campbell said, according to DetroitLions.com.

“He’s a young guy, but he’s kind of gone a little longer, harder road to get to where he’s at. He’s been around some really good coaches, now, some guys who have coached some pretty good quarterbacks.”

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Dan Campbell Shares Honest Take on Aidan Hutchinson’s Injury Status

The Detroit Lions’ defense has been without its star defensive end, Aidan Hutchinson, for some time now due to a leg injury. However, a recent report from Jay Glazer sparked some excitement among Lions fans, suggesting that Hutchinson could return as soon as the NFC Championship Game.

While the news has generated plenty of optimism, Lions head coach Dan Campbell took a more measured approach when addressing the situation during his Monday press conference. Campbell, known for his tough, no-nonsense leadership style, was careful not to overstate expectations about Hutchinson’s timeline for return.

Dan Campbell’s Cautious Optimism About Aidan Hutchinson
“I’m where I was when the injury happened, and that’s always just saying, ‘Look, this is a tough injury,’” Campbell explained as quoted by SI.

“It is, but I would just never count him out just knowing who he is. And he’s working, he is progressing, but I can’t say — I can’t give you a timeline. And I don’t know if he’ll have the time to get there, but if anyone could, it’s him.”

Hutchinson, who has been a standout performer for the Lions since his rookie season, has shown incredible work ethic and determination in his recovery. Campbell’s statement reflects his belief in Hutchinson’s resilience but also acknowledges the tough nature of the injury, which has made a quick return uncertain.

A Unique Talent with Limitless Potential
Campbell’s cautious words are a reflection of his trust in Hutchinson’s work ethic and dedication, as well as his history of overcoming obstacles. Hutchinson has been a key player for the Lions’ defense, and if he can make an unexpected return, it would certainly provide a huge boost to the team’s postseason chances.

While no firm timeline has been set, the Lions are undoubtedly keeping their fingers crossed that their star defensive end will be able to recover in time for a potential NFC Championship run. If anyone can defy the odds, Campbell believes that Hutchinson is the one to do it.

Lions fans are hoping for the best, as Hutchinson’s presence on the field would certainly be a game-changer for the team in the crucial stages of the season. As the playoffs approach, all eyes will be on Hutchinson’s recovery, as the Lions continue to make their push for the Super Bowl.