All Lions: Ben Johnson Named NFL’s Best Play-Calling OC
The 2023 season saw the Detroit Lions gain a lot of momentum. Coach Dan Campbell capitalized on the team’s 2022 success with a historic season after a strong finish.
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator who has developed a great rapport with quarterback Jared Goff and led the Lions to outstanding output, played a major role in that victory.
Johnson has received a good deal of recognition; Pro Football Network most recently ranked him one of the league’s top play-callers. Johnson came in top among offensive coordinators and fourth overall in the most recent ranking of NFL play-callers.
Under his command, the Lions ranked third in total yards and fifth in scoring average. He was a coveted commodity on the head coaching market before he elected to pass on opportunities and return to Detroit for the 2024 campaign.
“Ben Johnson’s schematic creativity — evidenced by his willingness to deploy virtually every run concept under the sun — was part of what made him an attractive head coaching candidate over the past two offseasons,” wrote Dallas Robinson. “The Lions couldn’t be happier that Johnson turned down overtures, enabling him to return for a third season in Detroit.”
The three coaches ranked ahead of Johnson were all head coaches. Andy Reid of Kansas City was ranked No. 1, San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan was No. 2 and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams ranked No. 3.