Full Breakdown
Bengals Missed Opportunity with Ben Johnson's Coaching Role
12/6/2025, 6:17:23 AM
Bengals' Attempt to Hire Ben Johnson
After the 2020 NFL season, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor sought to enhance his coaching staff by reaching out to Ben Johnson, then an offensive coach with the Detroit Lions. Taylor proposed a unique role for Johnson on the defensive side of the ball, despite Johnson's established background in offensive coaching. Taylor and Johnson share a professional history dating back to their time together on the Miami Dolphins' coaching staff from 2012 to 2015. At that time, Johnson was navigating uncertainty in Detroit following the firing of Lions head coach Matt Patricia.
Taylor explained that the Bengals had no openings on the offensive side, prompting him to offer Johnson a position as a quality control coach on defense. "We did not have an offensive opening so I just wanted to get him on the staff," Taylor stated. He expressed confidence in Johnson's ability to adapt, noting that Johnson's intelligence would allow him to contribute effectively, regardless of the side of the ball.
Johnson's Career Progression
Ultimately, Johnson opted to remain with the Lions, where he was retained by new head coach Dan Campbell, a familiar figure from their shared past in Miami. Johnson's career trajectory in Detroit saw him rise from tight ends coach in 2020 to offensive coordinator by 2023. His success with the Lions led to his current position as head coach of the Chicago Bears, where he has guided the team to a 9-3 record, including a notable victory over the Bengals in Week 9.
Implications of the Missed Hire
The Bengals' decision not to hire Johnson has raised questions about what might have been. Had Johnson joined Cincinnati, he could have transitioned back to an offensive role, potentially reshaping the Bengals' offensive strategies and play designs for quarterback Joe Burrow. Instead, Johnson's success with the Bears has positioned them as a legitimate playoff contender, while the Bengals continue to evaluate their offensive approach amidst ongoing struggles.
Criticism & Opposition
Some analysts have questioned the wisdom of shifting an offensive coach to a defensive role, citing the challenges such transitions often face in practice. While Taylor believed in Johnson's adaptability, the broader implications of such a coaching shift remain uncertain.
Official Statements & Responses
In reflecting on the situation, Taylor acknowledged that if Johnson had been hired, he would not have remained in a defensive role for long. "We would have eventually got him over to offense when it made sense," Taylor remarked, indicating his intention to utilize Johnson's offensive expertise.
Verbatim Quotes
- "He was just really smart that way where that translates -- in a [quality control] coach sense -- to any side of the ball." — Zac Taylor, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bengals
- "If Johnson had been hired, we would have eventually got him over to offense when it made sense." — Zac Taylor, Head Coach, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals' pursuit of Ben Johnson reflects the unpredictable nature of NFL coaching decisions, with both teams now charting their respective paths in the league.
