Chargers News: Bolts to Meet With Highly Praised Lions OC on Saturday

Could Ben Johnson be the Chargers next head coach?

The Los Angeles Chargers head coaching search continues with another interview this Saturday. They'll be interviewing Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, via Ian Rapoport.

#Lions OC Ben Johnson will speak to the #Panthers and #Commanders tomorrow about their HC vacancies, then he has the #Chargers and #Seahawks on Saturday. https://t.co/A507NlcU87

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 18, 2024

It's no surprise that the Chargers are interviewing Johnson, who has become one of the top NFL head coaching candidates. Johnson has led the Lions to become a team that is top-5 in total offense, passing, rushing, and scoring offense through the 2023 season. 

Johnson's offense also came through when it mattered during last week's wildcard win over the Los Angeles Rams, scoring on almost all of their Redzone possessions which ended up playing a large part in them getting the win.

Outside of their overall offensive success, Johnson has played a key role in helping Lions quarterback Jared Goff regain confidence and perform at a high level. This in particular could make Johnson extra appealing to the Chargers since Johnson would be working with quarterback Justin Herbert.

Though Herbert was playing at a high level overall this season when healthy, it would be nice for him to get to work with an offensive-minded coach in a system that has produced consistent results like Johnson has with Detroit over the last season and a half.

Johnson is also interviewing with the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers this week, which will take place on Friday. Johnson's interviews will be happening later in the week because Lions head coach Dan Campbell requested for Johnson to ensure they had spent the early part of the week preparing for their upcoming divisional round playoff game versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Though Johnson is highly sought-after and the Chargers have another favorite in  Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have plenty of other options. They have interviewed former Stanford coach David Shaw, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and interim head coach Giff Smith.