Insider forwards Lions OC as top candidate for Chargers head-coaching vacancy

The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly considering targeting one of the NFL's top offensive minds to fill their head-coaching vacancy. 

"You'll hear Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson mentioned here, as you do for basically every open (or soon-to-be open) job at this point," wrote ESPN's Dan Graziano. "Johnson's likely to be in demand, and we don't know right now whether the Chargers would outspend other teams to get him or whether Los Angeles would be his first choice. It sounds like it'll be a popular job opening due to the presence of franchise QB Justin Herbert." 

Graziano added Los Angeles is also interested in New England Patriots HC Bill Belichick, a future Hall of Famer and six-time Super Bowl champion. However, the 71-year-old is viewed as a short-term option.

For his part, Johnson has no previous head-coaching experience but has served as Lions OC for the past two seasons. During his tenure, Detroit has scored the fifth-most points in the league (835) while gaining the third-most yards (11,982).

Under Johnson, Lions QB Jared Goff has turned his career around. Through 14 games, the former Los Angeles Rams signal-caller is tied for third in the league in passing TDs (26) and passing yards (3,727).

Imagine what the offensive-minded coach could do with a more talented QB in Herbert – who has thrown the league's fourth-most passing TDs (114) since 2020.

Plus, the Chargers offense has room for improvement. It ranks 17th in the league in points scored (21.6) and 15th (333.7) in yards.  

If L.A. doesn't want to trade for Belichick or he's not interested in the job, Johnson seems like a decent second choice. Though his lack of experience is a question, he's clearly a sharp offensive mind who could become a solid head coach.