**A Potential Offensive Coordinators List for Ben Johnson: Who Could Join the Detroit Lions to Strengthen Their Offensive Staff?**
As the NFL offseason takes center stage, the Detroit Lions’ offensive future remains a primary topic of discussion. With Ben Johnson firmly established as one of the league’s most promising young offensive minds, the next crucial decision facing the Lions organization is how to build an even stronger offensive staff around him. While Johnson has been heralded for his innovative play-calling and ability to develop young quarterbacks and offensive players, there’s one glaring need: a complementary offensive coordinator who can further elevate the unit’s performance.
Ben Johnson’s rise to prominence has not only been a highlight for Detroit but has also drawn attention from other teams seeking to bolster their coaching ranks. Given Johnson’s success as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, speculation has mounted that he could be offered a head coach position elsewhere, leaving the Lions to search for someone to continue his work. However, the team’s priority is likely to retain him, while also finding an assistant coach who can work effectively under his system. The choice of a new offensive coordinator could be pivotal to the team’s continued growth and success.
So, as the Lions look ahead, what types of candidates are likely to be in the mix for the offensive coordinator position under Ben Johnson’s leadership? Below, we take an in-depth look at potential candidates, their backgrounds, and how they could contribute to the Lions’ offensive philosophy.
### 1. **Shane Waldron – Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks**
One potential fit for the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator position could be Shane Waldron, the current offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. Waldron has been with the Seahawks since 2021, after spending several years with the Los Angeles Rams as their passing game coordinator. Under Waldron’s leadership, the Seahawks have maintained a potent offensive attack, primarily led by quarterback Geno Smith in 2023.
Waldron is a disciple of the McVay coaching tree, having worked with Sean McVay in Los Angeles. His offensive philosophy emphasizes a balanced approach, using play action and motion to keep defenses on their toes. Given the Lions’ own successful implementation of play-action concepts under Ben Johnson, Waldron could be a natural fit to further refine and expand the team’s offensive scheme. His ability to design creative passing concepts and his experience with mobile quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Geno Smith could also translate well to the Lions’ system, where Jared Goff has excelled.
What’s more, Waldron’s offensive approach could help the Lions diversify their attack, particularly in the areas of screen game design, downfield passing, and situational play calling. He would bring experience working with an experienced quarterback and balance his philosophies with Ben Johnson’s approach. Moreover, Waldron has shown adaptability, working with various offensive skill sets, making him an ideal candidate to collaborate with Ben Johnson on building a well-rounded offensive attack.
### 2. **Luke Getzey – Offensive Coordinator, Chicago Bears**
Another intriguing option for the Detroit Lions would be Luke Getzey, the current offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears. While Getzey has had some challenging seasons with the Bears in terms of wins and losses, his ability to work with young quarterbacks, particularly Justin Fields, has been commendable. Fields, known for his dual-threat ability, has made significant strides under Getzey’s tutelage, and that could appeal to the Lions as they look to strengthen their quarterback development and offensive creativity.
Getzey’s ability to install a run-heavy offense with deep passing concepts could be of interest to the Lions. His experience with a young, athletic quarterback like Fields would make him a potential asset to Detroit, especially if they continue to develop a strong running game with play-action and bootleg elements. Additionally, Getzey’s focus on offensive line play has been well-documented, and his insight into creating a more robust offensive front could be a valuable addition for a Lions team that has seen success but could still improve in the trenches.
As a former assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers, Getzey also brings NFC North experience, and his familiarity with the division’s defensive schemes could give the Lions a competitive edge. The opportunity to work alongside Ben Johnson, who has a similar philosophy on creativity and offensive design, could allow Getzey to further evolve as an offensive coordinator, making him an appealing candidate for the Lions.
### 3. **Eric Bieniemy – Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders**
Another name that has come up in connection with potential offensive coordinator openings is Eric Bieniemy. Known for his long tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, Bieniemy has built one of the most dynamic offenses in NFL history. His work with Patrick Mahomes has garnered him significant attention, and though he has yet to receive a head coaching opportunity, his credentials as an offensive coordinator are undeniable.
Bieniemy’s potential fit in Detroit comes from his innovative approach to offensive football and his experience in designing explosive passing games. The Lions, led by Ben Johnson, have already demonstrated an ability to mix traditional offense with modern concepts. Bieniemy’s deep understanding of motion, route combinations, and quick-strike passing could help elevate the offense to new heights. His leadership could also be a great complement to Johnson, offering both leadership and a wealth of experience.
Moreover, Bieniemy’s experience with high-powered offenses and dynamic playmakers could help guide Detroit as they continue to develop young talent and aim for even greater success. His history of coaching under Andy Reid, one of the most respected offensive minds in the game, could prove invaluable to a young offensive staff in Detroit.
### 4. **Klint Kubiak – Quarterbacks Coach, Minnesota Vikings**
A less conventional option for the Lions, but one worth considering, is Klint Kubiak, who has been the quarterbacks coach for the Minnesota Vikings since 2022. Kubiak has gained experience as a play-caller in previous stints, notably during his time as the offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos. Although his tenure in Denver wasn’t without challenges, Kubiak has a solid reputation for his work with quarterbacks and his ability to install complex systems.
Kubiak’s experience with quarterbacks and his connection to the renowned Kubiak coaching tree—famous for its zone-blocking schemes and play-action heavy offenses—makes him a compelling candidate. Kubiak is also well-versed in creating offenses that use timing-based passing attacks and emphasize running back versatility. This could make him an intriguing option for a Detroit team looking to continue evolving its offensive balance.
Additionally, Kubiak’s connection to his father, Gary Kubiak, a former Super Bowl-winning coach, could bring valuable insight to Detroit’s offense, especially when working in tandem with Ben Johnson. His familiarity with developing young quarterbacks could also be a great asset, considering the Lions’ continued development of Jared Goff and other offensive players.
### 5. **Kevin O’Connell – Head Coach, Minnesota Vikings (Former Offensive Coordinator)**
While it might seem unlikely that Kevin O’Connell could leave his head coaching role with the Minnesota Vikings, his background as an offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and his relationship with Ben Johnson should not be overlooked. O’Connell was part of Sean McVay’s coaching tree, and he helped develop one of the league’s most prolific offenses during his time in Los Angeles. While it may be a stretch for him to return to a coordinator role, the possibility of reuniting with Johnson could be enticing, given their shared offensive philosophies.
O’Connell’s impact on quarterbacks, his understanding of play-action, and his emphasis on an adaptable offensive system that mixes traditional and modern approaches make him a candidate worth discussing. His experience could further enhance the Lions’ offensive production, particularly in working with Johnson to build a balanced attack that maximizes the talents of both the quarterback and playmakers.
### 6. **Joe Brady – Quarterbacks Coach, Buffalo Bills**
Joe Brady, former offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers, is another name to keep an eye on. Brady’s most notable success came during his time at LSU, where he helped develop one of the most explosive offenses in college football history, leading the Tigers to a national championship. His innovative approach to passing game concepts, as well as his emphasis on tempo and spacing, could fit perfectly into the Lions’ offensive strategy.
Though Brady’s time in Carolina didn’t go as planned, his reputation as an offensive innovator still holds weight. Brady could bring a fresh perspective to the Lions, enhancing their passing attack and potentially working alongside Ben Johnson to craft new strategies for utilizing Detroit’s playmakers. His experience working with quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow in college and Sam Darnold in Carolina gives him a diverse background in developing signal-callers.
### Conclusion: Who Should the Detroit Lions Choose?
The Detroit Lions are in a unique position. With an offensive-minded head coach like Ben Johnson, they need an offensive coordinator who can both challenge and complement Johnson’s strategies while also developing the next generation of playmakers. Candidates like Shane Waldron, Luke Getzey, Eric Bieniemy, Klint Kubiak, Kevin O’Connell, and Joe Brady each bring a distinct skill set to the table. Whether it’s experience with young quarterbacks, deep knowledge of offensive systems, or familiarity with play-action and motion-based offenses, each coach would bring a fresh perspective to the Lions’ already impressive offensive unit.
As Detroit continues to build around its talented roster, finding the right offensive coordinator will be crucial in determining the future success of the team. Ben Johnson has already done a tremendous job shaping the Lions’ offense, and with the right support staff, Detroit could soon become one of the most explosive offensive teams in the NFL.
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