Ben Johnson has been a part of the Detroit Lions’ coaching staff since 2019 and has risen through the ranks. The offensive coordinator has become one of the most sought-after men at the end of the regular season.
The New York Jets have been without a head coach after firing Robert Saleh and are looking for someone to replace him. However, fans couldn’t believe it as the franchise didn’t opt to interview the Lions’ play-caller and OC.
The Jets Skipped Over Ben Johnson, Enraging Fans
On Monday, NFL insider Dianna Russini took to X (formerly Twitter) to report that the Jets have not requested an interview with the 38-year-old. They opted to go for Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
“The New York Jets are not expected to put in a formal request for Lions OC Ben Johnson. They are expected to have interest in Lions DC Aaron Glenn,” she tweeted.
The New York Jets are not expected to put in a formal request for Lions OC Ben Johnson. They are expected to have interest in Lions DC Aaron Glenn.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 6, 2025
Her reporting sent shockwaves in the Jets’ fan base. The supporters were beside themselves and took to trolling the entire approach of their franchise. “The citizens of the NYC area are expected to put in a formal request for Woody Johnson to sell the team,” replied one fan.
“WHY?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! This team just doesn’t want to win anytime this century,” one fan tweeted.
“I mean what the actual f**k is this??? How stupid can you possibly be to not even request an interview,” one fan added.
“He wouldn’t come here anyway but no request to the best candidate is diabolical. Rex gets one though! Lol,” another user responded.
He wouldn’t come here anyway but no request to the best candidate is diabolical. Rex gets one though! lol
— ✈️ ⚡️ (@JetsDumb) January 6, 2025
“’The guy everyone’s been talking about for years as a head coach? Pass. Get lost you fool,” added another fan.
“Worst run org ever. They’re all so stupid,” another fan tweeted.
Worst run org ever. They’re all so stupid
— Cashman’s gentleman’s club (@Kwesisballsack) January 6, 2025
Johnson is just 38 years old and earning plenty of attention when it comes to head coaching gigs, thanks to his success as the offensive coordinator in Detroit.
He has been involved with the Lions offense since 2019, taking over full reigns as the coordinator in 2022. Their stock has soared this season, but it’s been a progression, something that points to a true impact as opposed to a single strong season.
Detroit’s Offensive Touchdown Rate By Season
- 2021 (before Johnson took over): 19.7% TD rate
- 2022: 29.5% TD rate
- 2023: 30.5% TD rate
- 2024: 37.4% TD rate
The running game is as good as it gets, allowing Jared Goff to flourish (career highs in completion percentage, yards per pass, and touchdowns). However, reckless playcalling can occasionally inflate offensive numbers.
The Jets Are Willing To Raid the Chiefs as Well
Earlier this season, the Jets fired their head coach and general manager within six weeks. After ending their season with a thunderous 32-20 victory over the Miami Dolphins, the front office is looking ahead to next season.
Rex Ryan and Aaron Glenn might have to fight it out for the HC post, but the Jets have a GM candidate as well: Kansas City Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi.
As per several reports, the Jets have requested an interview with Borgonzi. He joined the Chiefs in 2009 (his first and only team in the NFL) and has risen through the ranks.