Andrew Buller-Russ
Finding a good NFL head coach is tough to do, which is why the Pittsburgh Steelers stick with their guy as soon as they identify a hidden gem. But other franchises have plenty of horror stories when it comes to hiring the wrong coach, and he’s quickly jettisoned out of town. This year, one of the biggest names available is Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.
Johnson has only been an offensive coordinator for two seasons, but he’s led a top-five scoring attack each year with the Lions. Now, he’s regarded as the ‘most coveted coaching candidate‘ in the 2024 hiring cycle.
With three coaches already fired, possibly a fourth in Bill Belichick, plus several others at the end of the year, (Washington?) rumors surrounding top NFL coaching candidates are surely to heat up in the next few weeks.
Recently, a report emerged suggesting Johnson wanted $15 million per season to become an NFL head coach this offseason. This wouldn’t quite set a new record, but Johnson would land in a third-place tie as one of the highest-paid NFL coaches of all time. Johnson may be a great play-caller who can be creative in coming up with unique offensive concepts, but he’s also never been a head coach before, and typically, the top salaries go to proven leaders.
However, a new update, one from Johnson’s agent, now refutes reports of him wanting a ridiculous salary to become a head coach. Only, he did so in a playful manner, taking a shot at the original rumor.
