The NFL Coaching News the Vikings are Hoping to See

Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Credit: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

One has to assume that Detroit’s offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the most coveted coach available.

In recent years, Johnson has proven to be perhaps the best offensive architect in the league, a formidable feat considering the presence of Kyle Shanahan, Andy Reid, Sean McVay, and, indeed, Kevin O’Connell (among others). Presumably, the Vikings would love to see that the NFL coaching news brings word of Ben Johnson leaving Detroit behind for a new start as a head coach.

Ben Johnson and The NFL Coaching News

Of course, Minnesota has a vested interest in what’s taking place within its own borders.

Defensive coordinator Brian Flores is getting a shot to interview for some of the league’s vacancies. There was some speculation that New England could be a fit, but that option has closed due to the Patriots hiring Mike Vrabel. Nevertheless, there’s a distinct possibility that Flores gets hired away, opening a massive vacancy on the coaching staff.

Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores watches from the sidelines against the New York Jets in the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Seeing Flores depart would be bittersweet. He has earned a shot at becoming a head coach again due the excellent work he has done since becoming Minnesota’s DC, but he would leave large shoes to fill. One has to assume that the defense would take a step back without Flores calling the shots.

What wouldn’t be bittersweet for Minnesota is a scenario where Johnson gets hired away.

The Detroit Lions are an absolute juggernaut. GM Brad Holmes and HC Dan Campbell deserve no shortage of praise for the work they’ve done. The roster is loaded with talent and has a clear identity. Sounds like the GM and HC have done some good work, right?

But it’s that offense that’s so scary.

The Lions claimed the NFC’s top spot with a 15-2 record, largely due to averaging 33.2 points per game (1st in the NFL). That’s an improvement on last year’s 12-5 record and 5th-place offense that averaged 27.1 points per game. The simple fact that Johnson is finding ways to get better is a scary thought.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) hugs Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after 31-9 win at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Now, the possibility exists that Johnson stays within the division, taking over in Chicago (an interview has been completed). So, too, could he end up taking his talents down to Jacksonville (interview completed). The main appeal of both spots rests in their No. 1 overall passers — Caleb Williams in Chicago, Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville.

The Vikings would certainly prefer a scenario where Johnson opts for the AFC’s Jaguars.

Detroit got the best of Minnesota both times in the 2024 regular season. In Week 7, the Lions won by a score of 31-29. The Week 18 game was far more lopsided, finishing up at 31-9. Crazy to think, but keeping Detroit down to the low-30s for points is a win defensively since it’s below their season-long average.

Put simply, beating the current version of the Lions almost certainly doesn’t happen unless the point total gets pushed well into the 30s.

Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Kimberly P. Mitchell / USA TODAY NETWORK

If Ben Johnson takes off, the Vikings will be pleased. The Lions will still boast a ferocious offensive line that’s being led by Penei Sewell, a dynamic rushing attack that has sophomore phenom Jahmyr Gibbs, and then a group of pass catchers led by receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight Sam LaPorta. In other words, Detroit is still going to have oodles of talent. Will the offense remain elite without the OC, though?

Johnson, 38, is from Charleston, South Carolina. His coaching experience involves stops at Boston College, with the Miami Dolphins, and, of course, the Detroit Lions. Time will tell what the future holds for the brilliant OC.

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this piece.


K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter, as a co-host for Notes from the North, and as the proprietor at The Vikings Gazette, a humble Vikings Substack.