If the Lions have to replace Johnson, they have a lot of good options to choose from, but I think it’s clear who should take his place.
The Detroit Lions don’t have to think about who should replace Ben Johnson
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Before the 2022 NFL season, Dan Campbell, the head coach of the Detroit Lions, had not “officially” said who would be calling plays for the Lions’ Week 1 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
We found out quickly that offensive coordinator Ben Johnson would be calling the plays, and to say that his first season as an NFL play-caller was great would be a huge understatement.
Even though Johnson has only been an NFL coordinator for one season, he is one of the top candidates to be a head coach because of this. So, who should the Lions hire to replace Johnson if he gets a job as a head coach?
If Dan Campbell needs to replace Johnson as the offensive coordinator, he shouldn’t have to look very far. In fact, I think the Lions’ next offensive coordinator is already on their staff if Johnson accepts an offer to become a head coach.
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No, I’m not talking about Duce Staley, who is an assistant head coach and runs backs coach. Instead, I’m talking about Tanner Engstrand, who is the tight ends coach for the Lions right now.
There are a few reasons why Engstrand should replace Johnson, but consistency would be my number one reason. Engstrand has worked closely with Campbell and Johnson for the past two seasons. If he took over as head coach, there would be a lot more consistency than if Campbell hired someone from the outside to take over.
Engstrand has also worked as an offensive coordinator before, though not at the NFL level. He used to be the offensive coordinator for the University of San Diego and the D.C. Defenders in the XFL.
Who do you think Dan Campbell should hire to replace Ben Johnson if he leaves the Lions?
