Ben Johnson’s final season as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator not only earned him a head-coaching role but also brought him significant recognition.
Johnson was honored as the 2024 AP NFL Assistant Coach of the Year on Thursday at the NFL Honors event in New Orleans.
The new Bears head coach claimed the award with 364 points, including 29 first-place votes. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores (143 points) came in second, while Lions DC Aaron Glenn (110) — now the Jets’ head coach — finished third. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio (109) and Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady (73) rounded out the top five.
Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions boasted the league’s highest-scoring offense for the second time in franchise history. Detroit led the NFL with 33.2 points per game, with 10 games surpassing 30 points, also the best in the league. They finished second in yards per game (409.5).
The 38-year-old offensive coordinator meshed well with head coach Dan Campbell’s aggressive football philosophy as the Lions became known for their bold, inventive plays that often went viral on Sundays.
Johnson’s success in Detroit made him one of the most in-demand coaching candidates over the last two hiring cycles. After deciding to stay in Detroit last year, he was hired as the Chicago Bears’ head coach in January.
In Chicago, Johnson’s main task will be developing quarterback Caleb Williams, who experienced an up-and-down rookie season after being chosen as the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Given Johnson’s track record, there’s optimism for Williams’ future, as former No. 1 pick Jared Goff had some of his best career seasons under Johnson’s guidance with the Lions.