The Detroit Lions are experiencing their best regular season ever, boasting a 12-1 record and leading the NFC after 14 weeks. Their success, particularly a key divisional win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 14, is due in large part to the team’s coaching staff. The efforts of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson have been pivotal. Despite injuries, Glenn’s defense has performed well, while Johnson has turned Detroit’s offense into one of the most dynamic in the league.
Johnson, in particular, has become a sought-after coaching candidate. His work with the Lions’ offense has revitalized quarterback Jared Goff’s career and turned the team into a high-scoring powerhouse. Goff, once considered a liability after a trade from the Los Angeles Rams, is now an MVP contender thanks to Johnson’s guidance. Johnson’s ability to develop talent, such as turning undervalued players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and David Montgomery into key contributors, has been impressive.
As the NFL offseason approaches, Johnson is expected to attract significant interest from teams looking for a new head coach. ESPN’s Bill Barnwell believes that the Dallas Cowboys, in particular, should pursue him as their next head coach, offering a five-year, $125 million contract. McCarthy, the Cowboys’ current head coach, has struggled in recent seasons, and Barnwell argues that it’s time for the franchise to move on from him.
Although Mike McCarthy won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers and is respected for his regular-season coaching, his record in the postseason is underwhelming. Since 2017, McCarthy has won just one playoff game, and the Cowboys’ struggles in 2024, with a 5-8 record, further demonstrate that the team needs a fresh direction. Even with Dak Prescott’s season-ending injury, Dallas’ struggles were apparent with a 3-5 record before the injury.
Johnson’s track record as an offensive coordinator makes him an ideal candidate to help turn around the Cowboys. While he may not be able to bring the Lions’ talented offensive line and skill players with him, Johnson has shown that he can make the most out of underappreciated talent. Under his leadership, players like Goff, Montgomery, and wide receivers Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond have exceeded expectations, demonstrating Johnson’s ability to develop and elevate talent.
The financial side of the move also makes sense for Dallas. Although the Cowboys have salary cap restrictions, coaching contracts are not subject to the same limitations, and the team can afford to make a significant investment in a new head coach. With the Cowboys valued at over $10 billion, offering Johnson a large contract would be a drop in the bucket. If the move succeeds, Johnson would be a bargain; if it fails, the financial impact would be minimal.
In conclusion, the Cowboys should part ways with McCarthy at the end of the season and pursue Ben Johnson as their next head coach. Johnson’s offensive acumen, ability to develop players, and proven track record make him a promising candidate who could help Dallas return to Super Bowl contention. With several top coaching positions opening up, the Cowboys should act quickly to secure Johnson as their leader for the future.
