Lions OC Ben Johnson among ‘young NFL coaches to watch’

“Those who have worked with Johnson say he has one of the NFL’s sharpest minds,” says Pelissero after recent discussions with NFL executives, coaches and others close to the search process. “Johnson previously has coached quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends, and he has a good feel for the whole picture.”

He may have quite a bit of experience from working with different position groups on offense, but the big question looming for Johnson before he earns another promotion is whether or not one year as a coordinator is enough experience before becoming a head coach.

“That’s unknown. But his reputation figures to get him in the room sooner than later,” predicts Pelissero.

In the here and now, it certainly does seem like it’s not a matter of if, but when Johnson will get the opportunity to be a head coach in the NFL.

Why can’t we have nice things?

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He also runs extremely fast… did you see him in the 1988 summer olympics… shit what a performance. Made Canada proud!

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You ever see the movie Soul Man? If we do that to Ben Johnson before he gets a HC job do we get a comp pick?

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We can. We still have AG. This same conversation was had about him last year.

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But how long are the Lions going to be able to keep the band together?

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As long as they’re sub-500.
For AG, you could see how disorganized he was on the sidelines last year, losing patience, yelling and stomping even while the ball was being snapped.
For BJ, you still have 2nd half adjustments escaping him in the 3rd quarter.

So, another year+ is my best guess. They both have a lot of learning to do at the Coordinator level, IMO.

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I feel pretty confident in saying AG won’t be interviewing for head coaching jobs next year.

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You never know, some guys like to buy low. LOL

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And there is also another reason he might “interview”, but won’t get into that.

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That’s true that he might get a chance to interview again for the Rooney Rule. You know what, though, I don’t think that’s bad experience. The more he thinks about being a HC, the more he thinks about what he’ll need from his coordinators. The more he thinks about what he needs from his coordinators, the more he’ll realize where he needs to be. I’m sure they do their own “self-scouting”, but looking at his own production through the eyes of a HC would be good.

Of course, I could be full of crap, so there’s that.

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Lost some speed without the “juice” though…

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Lol, this is the kiss of death. How many coordinators for us have been “ones to watch!” only to completely flame out the next year.

I’m looking at you, Cooter…

Just the opposite! haha

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