Odds Ben Johnson returns as offensive coordinator?
Christian Booher and Vito Chirco, two members on the staff at Sports Illustrated/All Lions, discuss topics concerning the Detroit Lions as the NFL playoffs roll on.
1
. What are the odds Ben Johnson returns as offensive coordinator?
• Booher: I think Johnson’s chances of returning are right around 50-50. Johnson is deserving of an opportunity and should accept it if he is offered, but I’m not sure that he will get a chance. Even with everything he’s shown this season, he’s still just a first-year coordinator. He may need another year to prove his schemes are sustainable.
Look out for Carolina, as it is his home state. If the Panthers are impressed with his interview, it will be tough for Johnson to turn down the opportunity.
• Chirco: I’m going to place the odds at 60 percent.
He’s certainly a hot candidate, as he’s already interviewed for the Texans’ and the Colts’ head coaching vacancies. He also reportedly has an interview with the Panthers set up for some point this upcoming week.
However, he also has just one year of coordinator experience. I don’t know if the above teams view that as a detractor, but I do. And, I believe that factor looms large, and will ultimately cause him to lose out on the aforementioned job openings this offseason.
If the Lions experience another solid season offensively in 2023, though, I believe Johnson will be long gone and joining the NFL head coaching ranks.
2
. Who should replace Johnson if he leaves?
• Booher: I’ll name two candidates. The first inhouse candidate is running backs coach Duce Staley, who would be worthy of a promotion and could collaborate with Campbell to design the team’s schemes.
If Detroit wants to look elsewhere, Los Angeles Rams QBs coach and pass game coordinator Zac Robinson is a possibility. Robinson was drafted by the Lions in 2010, so he has familiarity with the organization.
• Chirco: I’m a fan of Booher’s two candidates in Staley and Robinson, the quarterbacks coach and pass game coordinator for the Rams.
However, I’ll throw another name out there: Brian Johnson. He’s presently the Eagles quarterbacks coach, and he’s received a fair amount of credit for Jalen Hurts’ success this season.
So, if the Lions were to not go with either Staley or Robinson, I think Johnson would be an interesting and worthwhile third option.
3
. How would you assess the Lions’ 2022 season?
• Booher: I believe the second half of the season was an overwhelming success. Dan Campbell and company revitalized the team’s image, while building a winning culture within the team’s locker room.
However, you can’t ignore the struggles of the first half. The Lions squandered multiple games that could’ve put them in the playoffs. Overall, Detroit has plenty to be proud of, but also has plenty to improve upon, especially on defense.
• Chirco: I would say it like this: The Lions clearly exceeded expectations in 2022. They went from a 3-13-1 team a year ago to a team that finished 9-8 and nearly made the playoffs this season.
I had Dan Campbell’s squad going 7-10 in his second year in the Motor City. And, after Detroit started the season 1-6, I didn’t believe — and I don’t think even the most hardcore Lions fans believed — Campbell & Co. would finish with a winning record.
I give Campbell some major props on the turnaround. Because of him and his team, the city of Detroit has something to believe in and to be proud of for the first time in a long time.
4
. Did the Lions blow real chance at making the playoffs?
• Booher: Absolutely. The loss to Carolina was the biggest indicator of a blown opportunity, given the team’s standing at the time. However, losses to Seattle, Minnesota, Miami and Buffalo all came as a result of lategame mistakes.
Detroit showed that it’s talented enough to beat anybody. Those crushing, close losses ultimately doomed what was a very real opportunity at the playoffs.
• Chirco: I will say no. Think about it this way: In the final week of the season, the Lions took care of business and beat the Packers. That was one element of what had to happen in order for Detroit to make the playoffs. The other part was Baker Mayfield and the Rams beating the Seahawks, and that didn’t happen (poor officiating in that contest didn’t help out the Lions’ cause, either).
In so many words, the Lions held up their end of the bargain, while the Rams did not.
Additionally, Detroit overachieved in 2022, especially after starting the campaign with a dismal 1-6 record. So, I’m not going to criticize the team for failing to make the playoffs this past season.
Now, if the Lions don’t clinch a playoff berth next season, I think I’ll be singing a much more negative tune.
5
. What must the Lions do this offseason to win multiple playoff games in 2023?
• Booher: Add defensive talent through free agency. General manager Brad Holmes is committed to building the team through the draft, but there is a great opportunity to add star talent to this team.
Be it at linebacker or in the secondary, the Lions must add experienced talent to this young core.
• Chirco: To me, Lions general manager Brad Holmes must make a concerted effort to upgrade the defensive side of the ball. He needs to add reinforcements along the interior of the defensive line, at linebacker and in the secondary.
I’ll take it a step further and say that he needs to prioritize upgrading the defense with Detroit’s two-first round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft. I’d personally be taking a hard look at Clemson defensive lineman Bryan Bresee and Georgia defensive lineman Jalen Carter at No. 6. And, I’d also be looking to grab a cornerback like Alabama’s Brian Branch or Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez at No. 18.
Holmes & Co. also need to re-sign fan favorite Jamaal Williams, who broke Barry Sanders’ franchise record for rushing touchdowns in a single season (17).
If the front office makes the necessary improvements on defense, brings back Williams and potentially adds a No. 1 tight end, I think the Lions could be on the verge of winning multiple playoff games in 2023.