Ben Johnson Fantasy Stats

The Carolina Panthers have put in requests to speak with Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey for their head-coaching vacancy, according to a source. Steichen and Johnson are also candidates for the head-coaching jobs in Indianapolis and Houston. Dorsey has kept Buffalo's offense humming in his first year on the job after Brian Daboll left to coach the New York Giants. Interim head coach Steve Wilks went 6-6 on the job to close out the 2022 season and nearly won the NFC South division, but the Panthers are expected to hire someone else to lead the team in 2023 and beyond.

The Detroit Lions promoted tight ends coach Ben Johnson to offensive coordinator, according to sources. The 35-year-old was heavily involved last season after head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties halfway through the season. An assistant for the last three years, Johnson was a leading candidate all along for the promotion. He served as the unofficial pass-game coordinator for the final nine weeks of the season in which quarterback Jared Goff was much more productive to close out the year. Campbell has yet to decide if he or Johnson will call plays in 2022, but Johnson's promotion should be good news for the entire Detroit offense, mainly Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end T.J. Hockenson. Johnson has never been a play-caller at any level before.

Detroit Lions tight ends coach Ben Johnson is considered a leading candidate to become the team's offensive coordinator after becoming the de facto passing-game coordinator in the second half of last season. Johnson has already formally spoken with the Lions about the open position as well. The 35-year-old helped quarterback Jared Goff reverse his early season struggles to finish with 11 touchdowns and two interceptions in the final five games, and rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught more passes than any player in the league in the final month. Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell first worked together in 2012 with the Miami Dolphins. Johnson becoming the offensive coordinator would be great news for Goff, St. Brown and tight end T.J. Hockenson.