Ben Johnson is one of the most sought-after coaches in the NFL. Detroit’s offensive coordinator already has concrete (salary) ideas

Almost every head coach in the NFL has previously worked as a coordinator for one of the 32 teams. Ben Johnson is apparently also aiming for this path.

The Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator is considered one of the most sought-after coaches in the league. According to US media reports, he himself has probably already forged a plan.

According to CBS Sports, Johnson is aiming for a contract in which he earns at least 15 million US dollars a year as head coach.

An announcement that gives an indication of the negotiating position the Lions OC is in. Several teams are looking for a head coach for the coming season, while others can still join the list until the end of the season.

Brandon Staley and the Los Angeles Chargers have parted ways. Antonio Pierce is only interim coach at the Las Vegas Raiders. And the chairs of Robert Saleh (New York Jets) and Bill Belichick (New England Patriots) appear to be shaking.

This means not only that Johnson is offering himself for a head coaching job, but also that teams have a vacancy to fill.

A few hours after the “CBS” report by Josina Anderson came to light, however, the denial from Johnson’s side followed.

Richmond Flowers, Johnson’s advisor, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that the report was a hoax.

“There is neither a demand nor an asking price. The report is false and irresponsible,” Flowers said.

Nevertheless, Johnson’s alleged demand is quite something. Should he actually receive such a contract, which he is demanding according to “CBS Sports”, he would move into the spheres of absolute top coaches.

Only two NFL coaches currently earn more

According to “NBC Sports”, only Belichick (20 million US dollars), Sean Payton (Denver Broncos / 18 million US dollars) and Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks / 15 million US dollars) earn a higher or equal annual salary.

Behind them are Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams / 14 million US dollars), Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers / 12.5 million US dollars), Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs) and John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens / both 12 million US dollars).

That shows just how much Johnson is asking for as a potential head-coaching debutant. So the question is whether a franchise is prepared to pay this mega-salary.

Before joining the Lions in 2019, the 37-year-old was only an assistant and small-group coach at Boston College and the Miami Dolphins.

He has been offensive coordinator in Detroit since 2022.