Shocking Decision:He Has Call Offensive Plays, Seeks OC to… see… more 

In a significant strategic shift, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has announced that he will take full control of calling plays for the upcoming season. However, Johnson is now in search of an offensive coordinator who will focus on structuring and organizing the offense, ensuring a streamlined system that maximizes the team’s firepower.

A Bold Leadership Move

This decision signals a clear intention from Johnson to put his imprint on the Lions’ offensive identity. Having been one of the NFL’s most sought-after coaching minds, Johnson’s play-calling acumen was instrumental in the Lions’ deep playoff run last season. By assuming this responsibility himself, he ensures continuity in the system while allowing a new coordinator to fine-tune the framework behind the scenes.

“I feel like this is the best direction for us moving forward,” Johnson stated. “Calling plays is something I take great pride in, and I want to make sure we are as efficient as possible when executing our game plan. Finding someone who can help structure our offense, implement weekly plans, and maintain cohesion will be crucial.”

Why This Approach?

Johnson’s move follows a growing trend in the NFL, where some of the league’s brightest offensive minds—such as Kyle Shanahan (49ers), Sean McVay (Rams), and Andy Reid (Chiefs)—have opted to call their own plays while delegating key organizational tasks to other members of the staff. This model ensures that the head offensive strategist remains deeply involved in every in-game decision while an OC provides critical support throughout the week.

The Lions’ offense was among the most explosive in the NFL last season, ranking in the top five in both total yards and scoring. With Jared Goff, a strong offensive line, and a dynamic supporting cast including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta, Detroit’s offense has the talent to be even better in 2024. Johnson’s hands-on approach with play-calling aims to elevate the unit further.

What Kind of OC Is Johnson Looking For?

Johnson is targeting a coach who thrives in game-planning, structuring practices, and refining offensive details rather than someone who expects to call plays on game day. This role could be attractive to a rising offensive mind looking for an opportunity to shape a high-powered offense without the pressure of calling plays.

Potential candidates could come from within the Lions’ existing coaching staff or from external hires with experience in offensive game-planning. Some potential names to watch include:

Tanner Engstrand – Detroit’s current passing game coordinator, who has worked closely with Johnson.

Thomas Brown – Former Panthers OC with experience structuring an offense.

Mike Kafka – The Giants’ offensive coordinator, though he has play-calling experience.

Brian Johnson – The former Eagles OC, who has extensive experience in quarterback development.

The Impact on the Lions

By keeping play-calling duties for himself, Johnson ensures that Jared Goff and the offense maintain consistency, a crucial factor in Detroit’s continued growth. His track record in maximizing offensive efficiency gives Lions fans reason to be excited.

At the same time, bringing in a detail-oriented OC could allow for better weekly preparation, scripting, and adjustments—aspects that can determine the success of a game plan. If Johnson can strike the right balance, this setup could make the Lions’ offense even more lethal in 2024.

Final Thoughts

Ben Johnson’s decision to fully embrace play-calling responsibilities while searching for an OC to build structure is a calculated move that could elevate the Lions’ offensive potential. As Detroit gears up for another run at an NFC Championship, the hire Johnson makes for this key role could be one of the most impactful decisions of the offseason.