Ben Johnson, now in his third season as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, has become a rising star in the coaching world. His impressive performance over the past two years has propelled him to the top of the list for potential head coaching candidates. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Lions’ offense has been revitalized and looks poised for great success in 2024, further cementing his status as one of the NFL’s most sought-after coaching talents.
While losing Johnson would be a significant challenge for the team, the Lions have a solid internal option in passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Engstrand, who is in his fifth season with the Lions, has played a crucial role in the team’s offensive turnaround. Here’s why he is a strong candidate to replace Johnson.
### Why Tanner Engstrand Makes Sense as Johnson’s Successor
**Consistency and Familiarity**
Maintaining consistency is vital for a high-performing offense. Engstrand has spent several seasons working closely with both head coach Dan Campbell and Johnson, gaining a deep understanding of the team’s offensive philosophy. Promoting Engstrand would allow the Lions to keep their current offensive system intact, ensuring minimal disruption.
**Experience and Background**
Although Engstrand hasn’t called plays at the NFL level, he brings a wealth of experience. Prior to joining the Lions, he was the offensive coordinator at the University of San Diego, where he built a strong reputation for creating innovative schemes. Additionally, Engstrand served as the offensive coordinator for the D.C. Defenders in the XFL, gaining valuable professional experience.
**The Lions’ Offensive Success Under Engstrand**
As passing game coordinator, Engstrand has been instrumental in the Lions’ offensive success. In 2023, Detroit ranked second in the NFL in passing yards, tied for fourth in passing touchdowns, and fifth in yards-per-attempt. The Lions set franchise records for total yards and touchdowns, highlighting Engstrand’s ability to shape and elevate the offense. Through 10 games in 2024, the Lions have the NFL’s top-ranked offense, further proving Engstrand’s qualifications.
**Seamless Transition for Jared Goff**
Promoting Engstrand would ensure a smooth transition for quarterback Jared Goff, who has thrived under the current system. Since Goff is already comfortable with the offensive scheme, keeping things consistent would help him maintain his high level of play.
**The Case for Keeping the Lions’ Offensive Momentum Going**
If Johnson moves on, Engstrand is the ideal candidate to keep the Lions’ offense on track. His deep understanding of the system, combined with his successful track record, makes him a natural choice. Bringing in an outsider could risk disrupting the chemistry, especially with a quarterback like Goff, who benefits from familiarity and consistency.
By promoting Engstrand, the Lions can maintain the offensive continuity that has been key to their success. His knowledge of the players and the system makes him the best option to continue the team’s offensive momentum moving forward.
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