Report: Lions OC Ben Johnson seeking huge salary as head coach

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson talks with reporters before training camp on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Allen Park. Photo Credit: Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is perhaps the hottest head coaching candidate of the upcoming hiring cycle, and a new report suggests that he expects to be paid like it.

Some owners have been told that Johnson would demand as much as $15 million a year from teams interested in hiring him, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports. That salary would put Johnson among the top five highest-paid coaches in the league, in the same neighborhood as accomplished coaches such as Sean McVay of the Rams and Pete Carroll of the Seahawks.

I'm told personnel around the league are discussing their awareness that some Owners have been told #Lions OC Ben Johnson's asking price is at least or around $15M/year for a head coach job, per source. pic.twitter.com/uhX3eqsNQR

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 21, 2023

It is tough to imagine Johnson’s demands being met, though it only takes one desperate owner to make the move. This feels like Johnson trying to stake out a strong negotiating position ahead of an offseason that may see him receive interest from virtually every team with an opening. After all, he is expected to have the luxury of being able to pick and choose the job he wants, which is quite unusual for a first-time head coach.

Johnson has been the Lions’ offensive coordinator since 2022. He got a number of looks from teams last offseason, but decided to remain with Detroit for another season, a decision that has been hugely beneficial for both him and the Lions.