The ultimate objective for assistant coaches and coordinators in the NFL is to land a head coaching gig with an organization. It is not common to see them pass up such opportunities as and when they arise. However, Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is an anomaly, as he had the chance to apply for the head coaching position in many teams. He chose to stick to his current role.
In a recent press conference, Ben Johnson was asked to justify his decision to not try his hand at head coaching.
Something that resonates with me is, 8 openings this past year, what would you set the over/under in 3 years, how many still have jobs?...There is a good chance 5 of them are out of jobs in 3 years. 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 that second contract, how do I set myself up? The stars need to align. Ben Johnson said
Johnson took a very practical approach while viewing this situation. He understands how things work in the NFL. Every year, a handful of teams part ways with their head coach. It is one of the jobs that carries a higher degree of pressure and risk of being fired without any notice.
Despite the availability of openings in the NFL, Ben Johnson is not inclined to rush this decision. He intends to get into a head coaching role shortly, but it is one that he would want to take up only after he is sure that he is ready. His approach is laudable as he does not want to be in a head coaching position just for the sake of it.
Ben Johnson remains focused on improving Jared Goff and the Lions offense
Johnson wants to ensure that he sticks to a team for the long run and his performance must be worthy of being offered an extension by the team. For now, however, Johnson is interested in doing the job he already has.
I love what I'm doing right now, love it, I love where I'm at, my family loves where we're at, love the people that we're doing it with so I'm not willing to go down that other path yet unless I feel really good about how it's going to unfold. Ben Johnson added
The offensive coordinator cherishes his role on the Detroit Lions. He loves the city, the culture of the team and does not see himself leaving anytime soon.
When the right opportunity comes to him, Johnson will take it up only if he is convinced that it is the right thing to do. He sees himself as being a “play-calling head coach” and despite turning down opportunities in the present, Johnson does not feel that he is missing out on anything. He is playing it smart.
Sure, getting a head coaching role is the dream of every coordinator, but the problem is, when an inexperienced individual steps into those shoes, things tend to go south. If a first-time head coach fails to perform and loses their job after a disappointing showing, then the odds of them not being able to land another HC role is high. Johnson understands these nuances and, as a result, is focused on slowly climbing up the ranks.
