By Ross Jackson
NEW ORLEANS — One of the most popular names in recent head coaching searches has been Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He has turned down multiple opportunities, proving to be very selective. That has led to many assuming that he will only be looking for the best possible situation in finally leaving Detroit and taking the lead role with another coaching staff.
However, it sounds like Johnson may not necessarily be searching for the “perfect opportunity.” In hearing the opportunity he is looking for described, it sure sounds like a familiar situation.
“He’s not waiting for the perfect job,” said NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. “He just wants to make sure he’s got alignment and an opportunity for long-term success.”
Alignment has been the name of the game for the New Orleans Saints for some time. The synchronicity between the head coach, general manager and owner have been a huge selling point for the organization for some time. And an “opportunity for long-term success” sounds a lot like someone looking for patience.
The Saints have proven to be, for better or for worse at times, a very patient organization. One that is willing to foot the bill to maximize its roster and that made several decisions to hold on to coaching staff members in the midst of their jobs being called for by outside pressure.
No one would be calling for Johnson’s job too quickly, of course. But even if that were the case, New Orleans has proven its loyalty to its choices and the patience that would be necessary to lead a rebuild to success.
While New Orleans may not be able to provide the most advantageous “win now” stop for a new head coach in 2025. The alignment between decision makers, the autonomy allowed to its coaches and the patience with which they approach the position could all be major bargaining chips in trying to land a big fish like Johnson. Don’t count the Saints out based on what they currently have, they deserve to be considered as a real possibility based on what they can provide over time.
