The Monday after the last game of the season might be a breeze for players, but for coaches, it’s a nightmare they can’t escape. That’s why we call every Monday after the regular season finale ‘Black Monday’. While some coaches didn’t have to wait for Black Monday to hear the bad news. Others got a shocker on the deciding day (like the Pats‘ Jerod Mayo and the Jaguars‘ Doug Pederson). With that being said, as many coaches become unemployed. An opportunity has come knocking at Lions OC Ben Johnson‘s door. Most likely to say goodbye to the Lions after this season.

A few teams without the HCs are already considering Ben Johnson for their head coach position. On Wednesday, Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer did a report on potential coaching candidates for next season. (Mainly teams that fired their head coaches this season). The list has some names we’ve all heard before, like Mike Vrabel, and Lions’ current DE Aaron Glenn. And of course, Lions OC Ben Johnson. When it comes to Johnson, Breer thinks he’ll be following Dan Campbell’s playbook when picking his first gig as an HC. ” He’s going to be looking for alignment with the general manager. And he’s going to be looking for an owner that’s willing to look at the mistakes of the past and go in and fix them.” And why not? They were together for three good seasons.

After a rough start with barely scrapping three wins in his first year (2021). Dan Campbell flipped the script this year and led the Lions just two steps away from their first-ever Super Bowl. The reporter points out how Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp had Campbell and Holmes’ backs when things weren’t looking great in 2021. Breer thinks Johnson would probably love to be in a team,  where ownership backs him, no matter what.

“A couple of years ago Sheila Ford Hamp came out and backed Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes when things weren’t going so well halfway through their second season. We all know how it turned out now. But it was a good example I think of what Ben Johnson’s going to be looking for.” So, could this be the year Ben Johnson parts ways with Campbell and the Lions?

Will Ben Johnson say goodbye to the Lions after this season?

Starting his coaching career with Boston College, Ben Johnson has made quite a name for himself. In 2023, the Panthers came knocking at his door, but Johnson turned them away. But, this season, it looks like he’s ready to move on from the Lions. The 38-year-old is eager to try his hand at a head coaching job. According to NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero, “Lions OC Ben Johnson will interview for the Patriots and Bears head coaching jobs during this week’s bye — a sign he has a real interest in both jobs.” That would be interesting to watch.

The Patriots and Bears are also considering Mike Vrabel for the position. While many are assuming that the Patriots will likely go with Mike, considering his connection with the team (former Pats player). Robert Kraft has firmly denied these rumors, stating that the management will interview as many coaches as they can. “We want to interview as many people as we can that we think can help us get to that position that we want to be in,” said Kraft. 

With that being said, Breer thinks that, given his experience with the Lions. Ben would probably go with the Chicago Bears. “I think he’d be one that if the fit is right in Chicago would be attractive because he could work with Caleb Williams.” With so many teams in the head coach hunt, it will be interesting to see who lands up with whom.