Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, finished second in the Associated Press’s vote for Assistant Coach of the Year in 2017. It was much the same this year.
Johnson was defeated by his rivals once more, despite the Lions offence having another fantastic season that went all the way to the NFC Championship game. Jim Schwartz, the defensive coordinator for the Browns and a former head coach of the Lions, won the 2023 Assistant Coach of the Year award.
In fairness, Schwartz had a fantastic season while playing with the Browns. Cleveland led the league in projected points added per play, defensive DVOA, and yards per play allowed.
Nevertheless, it’s a little annoying that the national media ignores Johnson’s amazing contributions. He had a significant role in Detroit’s historic postseason run in 2023, helped revive Jared Goff’s career, and created the team’s first productive running game since Barry Sanders. Even against the 49ers’ second-ranked defence (by DVOA), the Lions offence scored 24 first-half points in the NFC Championship game.
Johnson’s vote position is now unknown, but it will probably become obvious later on Thursday night. Former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik were the other nominees for the honour.
Next, after 9 p.m. ET, the remaining honours will be revealed. Dan Campbell is vying for Coach of the Year, Frank Ragnow is vying for Walter Payton Man of the Year, and TE Sam LaPorta and RB Jahmyr Gibbs are the other Lions remaining in contention for accolades.
