‘A lot of moving parts’ for Ben Johnson

On Saturday, we explained that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s process for evaluating potential head coaching opportunities remains in “first phase.” Saturday night’s loss to the Commanders may have brought the analysis back to square one.

As a source with knowledge of the situation said on Sunday, there are “a lot of moving parts” for Johnson – and it remains to be seen whether the disappointing end to the 2024 season makes him more or less likely to return to the Lions for a another race.

Some attach importance to the fact that the Raiders questioned Assistant to the Commander, General Manager Lance Newmark for the position of general manager on Sunday. Newmark worked with Johnson in Detroit, and some believe Newmark is Johnson’s first choice to secure the “alignment” with the front office he dreams of.

However, according to the source, that “doesn’t mean much at the moment.”

With the Lions away, Johnson can engage in face-to-face interviews as early as tomorrow. The Bears, Jaguars, Raiders and Patriots interviewed him virtually during Wild Card Week. Other teams could also interview him now, including the Cowboys and Saints. (The Jets have not yet shown interest in Johnson and are not expected to.)

Staying in Detroit was a viable option for Johnson while the Lions were still alive. Now that they are two games short of winning the Super Bowl, will he view next year as a season of unfinished business?