Is Ben Johnson Leaving the Detroit Lions? Who is Ben Johnson?
by Sangamithra | Updated Jan 29, 2024
Is Ben Johnson Leaving the Detroit Lions?
It seems highly likely that Ben Johnson, the current offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is on the verge of leaving the team to become the head coach for the Washington Commanders. Reports suggest that this move is a "pretty foregone conclusion." Although nothing is certain until the Lions' season concludes, ESPN's Jeff Darlington has strongly indicated that Johnson will take the helm for the Commanders.
With only Washington and Seattle having head coach vacancies, oddsmakers also favor Johnson for the Washington position. He recently underwent five virtual interviews for head coach roles, and it's anticipated that Washington will meet with him in person after the NFC championship game. Johnson's potential departure follows the Lions' impressive 2023 season, where their offense excelled, ranking in the top five in various categories.
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Who is Ben Johnson?
Ben Johnson is an American football coach currently serving as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in the NFL. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, he stands at 6 feet 1 inch and weighs 195 pounds. Ben's coaching journey began at Boston College in 2009, progressing through various roles with the Miami Dolphins before joining the Detroit Lions in 2019.
Starting as an offensive quality control coach, he swiftly moved up the ranks, becoming the offensive coordinator in 2022. Notably, he played college football as a walk-on quarterback at the University of North Carolina from 2004 to 2007. Under his leadership, the Lions achieved two top-five offensive rankings.
Full Name
Ben Johnson
Birthdate
Falmouth, Jamaica
Nationality
Jamaican, later Canadian
Date of Birth
Net Worth
$2 million
Olympic Achievements
Bronze Medals: 1984 Los Angeles (100m relay, 100m sprint)
Gold Medals: Stripped in 1987 Rome (100m) and 1988 Seoul (record-breaking sprint) due to steroid use
Other Achievements
Two Silver Medals: Brisbane Commonwealth Games (early 80s)
Gold: World Indoor Championships in Paris and World Cup in Canberra (1985)
Bronze: Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh (1986, 200m sprint)
Notable Rivalry
Carl Lewis
Career Highlight
Unfortunately remembered for the doping controversy leading to medal stripping
May 11, 1986
Ben Johnson's Early Life
Ben Johnson, born on May 11, 1986, in Charleston, South Carolina, had an impressive start in football at A. C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, North Carolina. There, he played quarterback, earning the title of conference player of the year during his senior year, and graduated among the top five in his class. Moving on to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Johnson walked on to the Tar Heels football team in 2004.
Throughout his college years, he served as a reserve quarterback behind T. J. Yates and graduated in 2008 with degrees in mathematics and computer science. This laid the foundation for his later successful career as a football coach in the NFL.
Ben Johnson Career
Ben Johnson embarked on his coaching journey inspired by his UNC offensive coordinator, John Shoop. Starting as a graduate assistant at Boston College in 2009, he quickly rose to become the tight ends coach in 2011. In 2012, Johnson joined the Miami Dolphins as an offensive assistant, later progressing to roles like assistant quarterbacks coach and tight ends coach.
His tenure saw shifts in responsibilities, including a stint as wide receivers coach. Joining the Detroit Lions in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach, he climbed the ranks to tight ends coach and, later, pass game coordinator. In 2022, Johnson took on the role of offensive coordinator, gaining attention for leading the Lions to a top-five offense and breaking franchise records.
The following season, Detroit achieved notable success under his leadership, winning their division and securing their first playoff victory since 1991. Johnson's coaching philosophy is influenced by figures like Kevin Rogers, Darrell Bevell, Adam Gase, Clyde Christensen, and Mike Martz.
Ben Johnson Age
Ben Johnson was born on May 11, 1986, making him 37 years old as of January 29, 2024. The Charleston, South Carolina native has built a successful career in American football coaching. With a passion ignited at Boston College as a graduate assistant in 2009, Johnson's journey led him through various coaching roles with the Miami Dolphins before becoming the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2022.
Despite his relatively young age, Johnson has demonstrated significant coaching prowess, contributing to the Lions' offensive success and garnering attention for his achievements in the National Football League (NFL).
Ben Johnson's Net Worth
Ben Johnson, the former Olympic sprinter, boasts a net worth of $2 million. Originally from Falmouth, Jamaica, he moved to Canada in 1976 and trained under Canadian sprinter Charlie Francis at York University. Johnson gained recognition in the early 80s, securing two Silver Medals at the Brisbane Commonwealth Games.
His success continued with Bronze Medals in the 100-meter relay and the 100-meter sprint at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. Despite breaking Canadian sprint records and winning Gold at various championships, Johnson's legacy is tarnished by steroid use. He was stripped of Gold Medals in Rome in 1987 and Seoul in 1988, remaining infamous for his rivalry with sprinter Carl Lewis.
Is Ben Johnson Leaving the Detroit Lions - FAQs
Yes, strong indications suggest he's likely to become the head coach for the Washington Commanders after the Lions' current season.
Ben Johnson began coaching at Boston College in 2009, later joining the Miami Dolphins before becoming the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator in 2022.
The Lions' offense excelled, finishing in the NFL's top five in total yards, rushing yards, passing yards, and ranking fifth in offensive DVOA.
Ben Johnson is 37 years old.
Ben Johnson, the former Olympic sprinter, has a net worth of $2 million.