Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson may indeed be a head coach next season -- but not for a predetermined, non-negotiable salary.
It was reported Thursday that some NFL owners have been told that Johnson, one of the hottest head coaching candidates in the league as he orchestrates a top-five offense for the second season in a row, has an asking price of $15 million per year to leave Detroit to become a head coach.
Johnson's agent quickly shot the report down, calling it "100% false and irresponsible."
"There is no asking price or demand," his agent said.
The Lions offense ranked fourth in the NFL in yards and fifth in points last year in Johnson's first season as coordinator and play-caller. It ranks third and fifth in those categories this year.
Johnson is widely credited for the resurgence of Jared Goff, who was on the outs when he was traded to the Lions by the Rams after the 2020 season. Goff has a passer rating of 98.8 over the past two seasons, fourth best in the NFL, and 99.9 with 66 touchdowns to 19 interceptions since Johnson took over Detroit's passing game midway through the 2021 season.
Johnson, 37, interviewed for the Panthers head coaching vacancy last offseason and was considered the top candidate for the job, but returned for another season in Detroit under Dan Campbell to tend to unfinished business. The Lions are closing in on their first division title in 30 years and gearing up for a playoff run, which could set the stage for Johnson's departure.
If the Los Angeles Chargers, for example, come calling after the recent firing of Brandon Staley, Johnson would be hard-pressed to turn down a chance to team up with Justin Herbert and one of the most loaded offenses in the NFL.
But that will be sorted out in the future. For now, Johnson is laser-focused on finishing that business he was talking about.
"The focus right now is on the Minnesota Vikings," he said Thursday. "That’s all we care about, and we are obligated to each other to keep our focus on the main thing.”