As the NFL coaching carousel approaches, two Detroit Lions assistants are gaining attention as potential head coaching candidates. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is again expected to be a prominent name in the search for new head coaches. Similarly, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is likely to be interviewed for several head coaching positions. Some experts even consider Glenn a more probable candidate to land a head coach role this offseason compared to Johnson.
In his annual list of rising head coaching candidates, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero highlighted Ben Johnson as one of the top candidates for the upcoming hiring cycle. However, Pelissero noted that Johnson is not solely focused on finding the “perfect” opportunity. He seeks alignment and long-term success in any new role, otherwise, he would be content staying in Detroit, a city and team he deeply enjoys working for.
Along with Johnson, another Lions assistant, passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, has been identified as a future head coaching candidate. Engstrand, 42, is currently in his fifth season with the Lions and has progressed from an offensive assistant in 2020 to tight ends coach/passing game coordinator in 2022, before becoming the team’s sole passing game coordinator over the past two seasons.
Before joining the Lions, Engstrand gained significant experience at the University of San Diego. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2005, later coaching running backs and quarterbacks, and eventually serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. From 2013 to 2014, he also held the title of assistant head coach, further developing his leadership skills.
Engstrand’s experience and growing reputation around the NFL were evident when he interviewed for three offensive coordinator positions after the 2023 season, with teams like the New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers showing interest. This recognition from the league suggests that Engstrand’s coaching potential is well regarded, and he could soon receive more significant opportunities.
Should Ben Johnson leave for a head coaching job, Engstrand is seen as the most likely candidate to step up as the Lions’ new offensive coordinator. There is also a possibility that if Johnson departs, he could take Engstrand with him as his offensive coordinator on a new staff. Regardless of the outcome, Engstrand is considered a rising star in coaching and is expected to be a head coaching candidate in the near future.
