As the Detroit Lions prepared for their biggest playoff game in a generation, their coordinators were multitasking — preparing for the biggest job interviews of their lives.
There was offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a math major and walk-on quarterback at UNC, known for his brilliant offensive mind and his role in taking this Lions offense to new heights. There was defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, a former Pro Bowl defensive back-turned-coach who has earned a reputation as a leader of men and a tireless worker, earning the highest approval rating by his players of any coordinator in the league.
Johnson and Glenn had been heavily requested to interview for open head coach jobs, thanks to the Lions’ success and the respect they’ve garnered. Those virtual interviews, convenient or not, happened to take place as they game-planned for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for a spot in the NFC Championship Game. It’s certainly not uncommon this time of year.
Their opponent was going through something similar, as Bucs offensive coordinator Dave Canales interviewed with the Carolina Panthers last week for their head coach opening. Among teams still alive in the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens had three coaches (offensive coordinator Todd Monken, defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver) interview for head coach jobs last week. San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks went through the process as well. It’s the cost of success in this league.
When asked about the challenge these interviews present for Johnson and Glenn, their boss, head coach Dan Campbell, smirked.
“Well, we’ll find out,” Campbell said Friday, “because it starts today.”
This weekend, Glenn completed interviews with the Tennessee Titans, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons. Johnson, meanwhile, lined up interviews with the Panthers, Seattle Seahawks, Chargers, Commanders and Falcons. He completed his interview with Atlanta after the Lions’ 31-23 playoff win over the Buccaneers. They’re in high demand, and it’s not hard to understand why.
These three coaches — Campbell, Glenn and Johnson — will perhaps forever be linked, thanks to the turnaround they’ve overseen with this franchise. They’ve known each other for years, and have grown together in this industry. But this could be their last go-around together.
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