An NFL analyst has recently suggested that the Dallas Cowboys should make a “mega contract offer” to Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, to bring him into the fold as the team’s next head coach. This suggestion comes amid mounting speculation about the Cowboys’ future at the head coach position and the rising prominence of Johnson as one of the NFL’s top coaching talents. As the Cowboys struggle to break through the playoffs with Mike McCarthy at the helm, the possibility of making a change and seeking a fresh perspective has gained traction. Johnson, widely respected for his offensive ingenuity and leadership, has become a sought-after figure in NFL coaching circles.
Ben Johnson has been with the Lions since 2019, but his real rise to prominence came when he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021. Under his guidance, the Lions’ offense has made substantial strides, particularly in 2023, where the team ranks among the most explosive in the league. Johnson’s offense is characterized by a strong running game complemented by a versatile and unpredictable passing attack, tailored to make the most out of quarterback Jared Goff’s skill set. What stands out most about Johnson’s system is its adaptability; he doesn’t rely on one particular formula, instead adjusting his play-calling to match the strengths of his players. This adaptability is one of the qualities that NFL analysts have praised, and it has caught the attention of teams looking for a head coach who can create a winning culture and offensive success.
The Cowboys’ current head coach, Mike McCarthy, has faced increasing pressure as the team’s performance has plateaued in the postseason. Despite having a talented roster, the Cowboys have not made a deep playoff run since their last appearance in the NFC Championship game in the mid-1990s. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the failure to advance beyond the divisional round has been a source of frustration among fans and analysts alike. Some argue that McCarthy’s play-calling, especially on offense, has been too predictable and not as creative as it needs to be to compete with the league’s elite teams.
This has led to speculation that the Cowboys might make a change at head coach in the near future, especially if McCarthy fails to take the team further in the playoffs. The idea of hiring an offensive mind like Ben Johnson is appealing to many because of his ability to design diverse and effective offenses. In a league where offense continues to evolve and high-scoring games have become the norm, having a coach who is capable of tailoring the offensive system to exploit opponents’ weaknesses is crucial. The Cowboys, with a dynamic quarterback like Dak Prescott, talented wide receivers, and a solid running game led by Tony Pollard, could be a perfect fit for Johnson’s offensive philosophy.
Analysts have suggested that the Cowboys should make a “mega offer” to Johnson, offering him an enticing contract that would be hard to turn down. Such a deal would likely include a significant salary, a long-term commitment, and potentially more control over roster decisions than he currently has with the Lions. The potential for such an offer comes at a time when Johnson’s stock is at an all-time high, and teams across the league will undoubtedly be considering him for head coaching positions. The Cowboys, as one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, could use their financial resources and prestige to lure him away from Detroit.
Moreover, Johnson’s background and coaching style align with the Cowboys’ need for someone who can provide a fresh approach while maximizing the potential of their offense. Johnson has shown the ability to make adjustments and develop young talent, something that would benefit the Cowboys as they look to remain competitive in a highly competitive NFC East. His reputation for creating innovative game plans could also be the difference in helping the Cowboys close the gap with NFC powerhouses like the San Francisco 49ers and the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, the idea of pursuing Ben Johnson comes with its risks. The transition from an offensive coordinator to a head coach is not always seamless, and there’s always uncertainty about how a coach will perform with added responsibilities. While Johnson has proven himself as an excellent coordinator, there’s no guarantee that he would have the same success as a head coach. Additionally, making a change at head coach could disrupt the continuity that the Cowboys have built over the past several years with McCarthy, even if results have been disappointing in the postseason.
The suggestion that the Cowboys should make a “mega contract offer” to Ben Johnson highlights the growing sense that Dallas needs a change to achieve its championship aspirations. Johnson’s innovative offensive mind, leadership qualities, and ability to get the best out of his players make him an intriguing candidate. If the Cowboys believe a change at the top is necessary, they could do worse than taking a chance on one of the NFL’s most promising young coaching talents.
