Detroit Lions Bring Loaded Roster and Strong Coaching Staff Last year was the breakthrough that Detroit Lions fans have pined for. Detroit became one of the most popular teams on the board with the NFL odds. Consider the Lions nearly won the NFC championship to qualify for their first Super Bowl. As a result of their success, Detroit is one of the top properties on the summer NLF futures market. One of the big reasons for Detroit’s success is head coach Dan Campbell. But Campbell will be the first to say that he could not succeed without great assistants. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a hot prospect.
2024-25 NFL Future Odds Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions 2024 Team Schedule
- Sept. 8 Los Angeles Rams, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
- Sept. 15 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- Sept. 22 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
- Sept. 30 Seattle (Mon), 8:15 p.m. (ABC)
- Oct. 6 BYE
- Oct. 13 at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
- Oct. 20 at Minnesota, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- Oct. 27 Tennessee, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- Nov. 3 at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
- Nov. 10 at Houston, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
- Nov. 17 Jacksonville, 1 p.m. (CBS)
- Nov. 24 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- Nov. 28 Chicago (Thanksgiving), 12:30 p.m. (CBS)
- Dec. 5 Green Bay (Thu), 8:15 p.m. (PV)
- Dec. 15 Buffalo, 4:25 p.m. (CBS)
- Dec. 22 at Chicago, 1 p.m. (FOX)
- Dec. 30 at San Francisco (Mon), 8:15 p.m. (ESPN/ABC)
- Jan. 4/5 Minnesota, TBD
Ben Johnson a Key Component to Lions Success
Last winter, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson decided to stay put and not pursue open head coaching jobs around the NFL. It was an offshore bookmaker surprise to many in the NFL world. Consider the Lions had just reached the NFC championship game — the first time the franchise won a playoff game since 1991. hence there was confidence that what head coach Dan Campbell was building would eventually deliver success.
Previously, Detroit finished in the bottom third of the NFL in points and yards per game in 2021. But then the Lions were the fifth-highest-scoring team in football in 2023, with 27.1 points per game. That NFL betting odds production made Ben Johnson one of the league’s hottest coaching prospects.
Despite interviewing with several teams, Johnson stayed in Detroit. Specifically, he interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons and Los Angeles Chargers. Also, Johnson had a meeting scheduled with the Washington Commanders. Johnson, 36, said he just liked the recognition. Johnson reportedly told the Commanders he was no longer interested as team officials were on a plane en route to Michigan to meet.
Of course, taking that next step, going from a coordinator to a head coach requires faith in several categories. At the beginning is ownership, staff, and the roster. Johnson was not going to take a head coaching job just because it was available. Even though there are only 32 in the league. Also, Johnson wanted to ensure if he landed a job, he would have the resources available to be in place beyond a few seasons.
In Johnson’s view, there is no downside to spending more time in the NFL as a coordinator. He feels as if he’s gaining valuable experience now. In turn, he will be better prepared when he decides to seek out a head coaching job, whether that’s next offseason or beyond.