After the Detroit Lions’ tough playoff defeat to the Washington Commanders, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has become a focal point of discussion around the league. He has conducted interviews with several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, regarding their open coaching positions.
Johnson has quickly risen as the top candidate in the coaching market following his impressive season with Detroit. The Lions boasted the No. 1 offense in most major statistical categories, which has attracted the interest of teams that have struggled on offense in recent years.
With Johnson rumored to be the leading contender for the Raiders’ position, social media was flooded with calls from Raider Nation right after the Lions’ Saturday night loss, urging him to come to Las Vegas.
“Tom Brady said I’ve never seen that play in my life. Ben Johnson, you are a Raider,” one fan remarked after Detroit executed a trick play that resulted in a significant gain in the third quarter.
“Ben Johnson clearly wants to be a Raider sooner rather than later,” another fan said following the Lions’ defeat.
“Announce Ben Johnson to the Raiders now,” a user commented after the game.
“Ben Johnson will be the Raiders head coach by weekend’s end,” a Raiders fan posted.
While it’s uncertain whether Johnson will end up in Las Vegas, the trend certainly seems to be leaning in that direction.
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Dan Campbell reveals his one non-negotiable quality for Lions players
Lions head coach Dan Campbell has consistently demonstrated his aggressive approach, a mindset that dates back to his initial press conference when he famously declared he was ready to “break kneecaps.”
This competitive drive is something Campbell wants ingrained throughout his roster. It’s the one quality he prioritizes above all else when evaluating players.
“You got to be competitive,” Campbell explained. “That may be a no-(expletive) statement… but it’s hard to teach somebody to be competitive. You either have it or you don’t.”
This mentality has influenced the Lions’ moves in both free agency and the draft, highlighted by their selection of running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell in the first round of 2023. It also reflects in the play of quarterback Jared Goff, who has flourished since joining Detroit in 2021.
The fiercely competitive Lions are now set to face a determined Washington Commanders team, which stunned the NFC South champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Wild Card round, extending their winning streak to six games. Should Detroit’s competitive edge carry them past the Commanders on Saturday, they’ll host the NFC Championship Game for the first time in franchise history, facing either the Los Angeles Rams or Philadelphia Eagles
