Ben Johnson Listed as Best Offensive Coordinator in NFL
The Detroit Lions were floundering on offense in 2021, when head coach Dan Campbell made the decision to expand the role of tight ends coach Ben Johnson.
Now, PFF has listed Johnson as the top offensive coordinator in the entire NFL, besting Kellen Moore, Bill O'Brien and Eric Bienemy.
Anthony Lynn's offense was far too predictable and not as explosive, making it near impossible for quarterback Jared Goff and the offense to score enough points to win games.
Campbell took on the responsibility of calling offensive plays, while Johnson worked with the passing game to revamp the route tree being utilized by Detroit's receivers.
After being elevated to offensive coordinator in 2022, the young offensive mind further developed his vision by partnering with Goff to install an offense that suited the former No. 1 overall pick's strengths.
A current NFL head coach, Cincinnati's Zac Taylor, was Goff's position coach with the Rams, and did not believe that the talented quarterback was on the decline.
According to The Athletic, "Taylor messaged Goff, telling him he would love working with Johnson and that the coach would be great for him. He said even though Johnson wasn’t his position coach, Goff could pick his brain and trust him. Then he called Johnson one of the smartest people he had ever been around. Taylor saw something in Goff others did not. And he knew something about Johnson that hardly anyone else could. So now, the tight ends coach and quarterback were entwined."
It may end up being Johnson's last year in Detroit. Remember, he is likely going to be coveted again by other teams for their head coaching vacancies.
In the meantime, the offensive players on the Lions' roster, including Goff, will benefit from Johnson returning to the organization in 2023.
