Ben Johnson spotlights Lions assistants with higher coaching ceilings

Ben Johnson opened up his bag of tricks again in the Detroit Lions’ Week 16 win over the Chicago Bears. The “Stumblerooski” worked like a charm as Jared Goff hit Sam LaPorta for a touchdown pass after Goff and RB Jahmyr Gibbs faked a fumbled handoff exchange.

In his weekly press conference, the Lions offensive coordinator was quick to credit three of his assistants. Johnson specifically recognized assistant quarterbacks coach JT Barrett, assistant OL coach Steve Oliver and assistant receivers coach Seth Ryan for their creative contributions in developing all of the Lions’ “special” offensive plays, which have become a Johnson trademark have become offensive in Detroit.

“I think we have position coaches that are going to be future coordinators and future head coaches, and I think we have some really good young coaches that are going to be ready to be position coaches sooner rather than later,” Johnson said. He then listed names that Lions fans should probably know better in the future if they didn’t already.

“Seth Ryan, Steve Oliver and JT Barrett, they’ve been responsible for our specials (trick plays) not just this year but for the past few years, and there’s a reason why we probably have a little bit of a higher success rate on those special ones pieces, and they’re a big reason why,” Johnson said. “They have a lot of creativity. You bring a lot of ideas to the table, so I really wanted to start by addressing them here today. They have done a great job here over the last three years and certainly deserve more responsibility, not only here but perhaps elsewhere wherever that opportunity presents itself.”

It’s the last statement that raises eyebrows. The Lions would have to replace Johnson if he leaves, and the most likely candidates are internal candidates — namely the trio listed by Johnson.

Of course, Johnson might be more inclined to take Barrett, Oliver and Ryan to another team as his offensive staff. Barrett, in particular, is considered a rising coaching star around the league and will likely be known as an offensive coordinator or passing game coordinator this offseason. Staying with the Lions or moving with Johnson to become his offensive coordinator seems like a viable option for Barrett.