The Cowboys could get their first look at their next head coach when the Lions come to Dallas on Sunday. Week 6 not only features a matchup of NFC playoff contenders, but it also gives them a first-hand audition with the NFL's hottest coordinator.

Ben Johnson, Detroit's prolific offensive coordinator, has quickly become one of the NFL's most respected offensive minds. He is also a sought-after head coaching candidate, likely to top a list of coaching prospects in 2025 that includes Bill Belichick, Bobby Slowik and Mike Vrabel, among others.

What Johnson lacks in experience, he makes up for in game design and innovation. After taking over the offense in 2022, Johnson took the Lions from 24 to 24^Th in his first season to sixth place (in the EPA). He did this by simplifying reads for his quarterback, using strong movement at the snap, and mixing in play-action and RPOs. While Johnson isn't a true believer in Kyle Shanahan's coaching pedigree, he uses many of the same cheat codes that are known to increase offensive performance.

The Cowboys happen to be stumbling through the 2024 season with their entire coaching staff on expiring contracts. After Mike McCarthy and Co. failed to get the team over the proverbial playoff hurdle, they are in a position to return to the leadership ranks as a franchise. No one can say definitively what the future holds for McCarthy, but it's clear that Johnson is a leading candidate to replace him as the Cowboys remain non-committal.

The Cowboys appear to prefer coaches with head coaching experience, but aren't necessarily committed to it. Jason Garrett was a first-time NFL head coach with Dallas, as were Dave Campo and Chan Gailey. Jerry Jones typically hires offensive coaches, which gives someone like Johnson a leg up over candidates like Belichick and Vrabel.

In 2024, Johnson's Lions offense is once again ranked in the top five. They are an offense built around their line with a balanced attack. They look for ways to get their top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown open downfield and regularly use their stud tight end Sam LaPorta.

With CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys also have an elite WR in their ranks. They have an armed TE in Jake Ferguson, and while their offensive line is still a work in progress, they're probably just a year out of two behind Detroit in their development and level of dominance.

The Lions are a far more talented offense, but the similarities are there and with Dak Prescott committed for the foreseeable future, Dallas should be an attractive destination for an offensive head coach who could potentially have his pick of jobs this winter.

What Johnson did for Jared Goff was breathtaking. Goff was thrown into the Matthew Stafford trade as something of a pay cut and wasn't expected to be a long-term answer at QB in Detroit, but under Johnson, Goff has become a highly effective weapon. It's tempting to think about what Johnson might do with someone like Prescott.

It's safe to say that the Joneses have a pretty good idea of ​​what the future holds for McCarthy. They probably have a few potential replacements in mind this season and it's a pretty safe bet that Johnson is one of them. On Sunday afternoon they can see the candidate first hand, from the comfort of the owner's suite. It's a perfect opportunity to see what all the fuss is about.

Related articles

(affiliatewidget_smgtolocal)