NFL Head Coach Tracker: Washington Commanders Join Carolina Panthers in the Hunt for the Services of Lions’ Ben Johnson

With success comes many possibilities and this year was especially a successful one for Ben Johnson. The OC for the Detroit Lions is on the radar for many teams, but they want to give him a promotion to the head coach rank. What does the future hold for Johnson?

The Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers are the new suitors for the services of the 37-year-old OC. Both teams did not have a respectable run in the regular season and are looking to improve. But will Johnson leave the Lions for head coaching position?

Ben Johnson is in demand from franchises

Johnson has risen the ranks within the Lions system. Joining the franchise in 2013 as an assistant quarterbacks coach, he now holds the OC rank since 2022. Under his commandership, the Lions won the NFC North this season. But his success has also attracted many who want him as their top man.

The Commanders finished bottom of the NFC East division with a record of 4-13. While the Panthers had an even worse record of 2-15 finishing last in their NFC South division.

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Both teams desperately need some change and, as per reports, both are eyeing an opportunity to grab Johnson. But with a potential deep playoff run and possibly a Super Bowl on the horizon, will the Lions OC leave or hone his craft more?

Is the time right for the OC?

The Commanders fired HC Ron Rivera after the regular season ended. And the Panthers fired HC Frank Reich just after 11 weeks of football. For the last leg of the season, Chris Tabor became the interim head coach for the Panthers.

With so much success looming in his future with the Lions, Johnson could also decide to stay put. And possibly wait for offers from teams much higher in the food chain. But there is also the possibility of him learning the ropes at the smaller franchises and then jumping ship.

Should Ben Johnson stay at the Lions, or should he grab the HC position? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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