The awards and honors keep coming for now-former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
Johnson oversaw the league’s No. 2-ranked offense in 2024, averaging over 400 yards of offense per game and helping the Lions reach 15 wins for the first time in franchise history. As a result, Johnson was named Assistant Coach of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
From the PFWA press release:
Johnson completed his sixth season with the Lions, and his third as offensive coordinator in 2024. This season, Johnson oversaw one of the most prolific offensive attacks in the league as Detroit set franchise marks in most points scored (564; fourth-most in NFL history), touchdowns (70; tied for fourth in NFL history), first downs (410; fifth in NFL history) and total net yards (6,962). The Lions led the NFL in points, points per game (33.2), touchdowns, first downs, were second in both total offense per game (409.5) and passing offense per game (263.2) and tied for second in rushing TDs (29). Detroit had 10 30-point games, six of which produced 40 or more points and two surpassed the 50-point threshold. The Lions also led the league in point differential at +222. The Lions joined the 2000 St. Louis Rams as the only teams with at least 35 passing touchdowns (38) and 25 rushing TDs (26). The balanced attack saw seven different players producing a game with multiple touchdowns, and five players scored at least seven TDs – which tied an NFL mark.
Johnson is the first Lions assistant to receive the PFWA award established in 1993. He was named the Chicago Bears head coach on January 21.
Johnson joined executive vice president and general manager Brad Holmes as award winners from the PFWA. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell beat out Dan Campbell for Coach of the Year honors.
Johnson is also one of five finalists, along with former defensive coordinator and now Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, for AP Assistant Coach of the Year, which will be announced February 6.