Mon Jan 20 05:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson’s Head Coaching Future Uncertain After Playoff Exit

**Detroit, MI** – The Detroit Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders Saturday night has thrown the future of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson into uncertainty, sources say. While Johnson was already in the early stages of evaluating head coaching offers, the disappointing season end has complicated his decision-making process.

Johnson conducted virtual interviews with the Bears, Jaguars, Raiders, and Patriots during Wild Card weekend. He is now free to pursue in-person interviews with these teams, and potentially others like the Cowboys and Saints, starting as early as Monday. The New York Jets are not expected to be pursuing him.

One significant factor is the reported interview of Commanders assistant general manager Lance Newmark for a general manager position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Newmark previously worked with Johnson in Detroit, and some believe he is Johnson’s preferred front office partner. However, a source close to the situation emphasized that this connection doesn’t currently hold significant weight in Johnson’s deliberations.

The question now is whether Johnson views a return to Detroit as a chance to finish what he started, or if the playoff exit will push him to pursue a head coaching opportunity elsewhere. The coming days will be crucial in determining the next chapter for the highly sought-after offensive coordinator.

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