NFL Rumors: Ben Johnson 'Intrigued by' Jags HC Job; May Not Want GM Trent Baalke

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson remains one of the most notable names on the NFL's ongoing coaching carousel, and the opening with the Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly interests him.

ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler wrote about the situation Thursday with the latter pointing out the Jaguars are looking at Johnson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen and Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady as potential candidates "to maximize quarterback Trevor Lawrence's capacity once and for all."

Yet Fowler also noted "the sentiment in some league circles is that Johnson is intrigued by this job but might want his own general manager in place" of Trent Baalke.

When team owner Shad Khan announced the firing of head coach Doug Pederson after the 2024 season, he said he and Baalke were going to work together to find the next coach.

Johnson does not have head-coaching experience, and Graziano suggested skepticism that he could pull off a power play and tell Jacksonville ownership that "it's me or him" in regards to Baalke is "justified" since similar concerns were raised the last time there was a coaching vacancy before Pederson and the general manager ended up working together.

But anything that makes Jacksonville seem less desirable is notable considering Fowler also reported that some around the league believe Johnson could remain with the Lions as he has the past two coaching cycles.

Whether the Jaguars hire Johnson or someone else, unlocking a way for Lawrence to live up to his full potential will ultimately decide the AFC South team's ceiling.

The No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft is still just 25 years old and isn't that far removed from his Pro Bowl season in 2022 when he led Jacksonville to the Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Yet he saw his touchdown-to-interception ratio go from 25-to-eight in 2022 to 21-to-14 in 2023 before injuries limited him to 10 games this past season. He was also just 2-8 as a starter in 2024 prior to the setback.

Still, there is plenty to work with for an offensive-minded head coach, especially with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. coming off a rookie season that saw him post 87 catches for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Thomas looks like a franchise cornerstone for years to come, and the right play-caller will surely be able to scheme up some success with the pass-catcher and Lawrence. Perhaps that will be Johnson, although the Jaguars may have to compete with the Chicago Bears and other teams with coach openings to land him.