Ben Johnson is one of the brightest minds in NFL coaching. As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, he has revolutionized their offense with his strategy.
However, away from the field, he is a typical man, a loving husband, and a doting dad to his three children.
Highlights
- Ben Johnson has been married to his wife, Jessica Johnson, for around a decade.
- The married duo share three kids, Emory, Kennedy, and Halle.
- The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator prefers to keep his family and personal life away from the public eye.
Ben Johnson started his football journey at the University of North Carolina as a quarterback from 2004 to 2007.
After graduating, he began coaching at Boston College in 2009 and joined the Miami Dolphins in 2012.
The Charleston native worked in various roles until 2018. In 2019, he moved to the Detroit Lions as an offensive quality control coach.
The 38-year-old coach quickly rose through the ranks to become the offensive coordinator in 2022.
Johnson has been serving as an offensive coordinator for the Lions since 2022.
Johnson Declined Head Coaching Jobs As He And His Wife Are Happy Where They Are Now
During the 2024 offseason, Ben Johnson was heavily rumored to be one of the Commanders’ top head coaching candidates.
However, the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator abruptly backed out of the Commanders’ head coaching job while the Commanders’ brass were on a flight to Detroit for an interview.
Ben Johnson dodged a bullet not taking the Commanders HC job… pic.twitter.com/vABmkrwnl0
— 313 Takes (@313takes) February 5, 2024
Johnson’s decision was considered ‘surprising’ at the time. According to Sports Illustrated, the Commanders first found out on X (formerly known as Twitter) that Johnson was staying with the Lions.
Later, Johnson shared why he withdrew from the role in an interview with the Detroit Free Press.
The publication reported in March 2024 that Johnson experienced a very hectic and intense two weeks.
During this time, he was preparing for a crucial Week 18 game, hoping it would help the Detroit Lions make the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the team didn’t make it, and he had to conduct disappointing player exit interviews.
Right after that, he had to quickly prepare for interviews for three head coaching positions in less than a week.
At one point, Ben sat down with his wife, Jessica, to discuss their options and decided,
“You know, we’re happy where we are”
In short, Ben Johnson’s wife had a big role in his decision to pull his name out of the running for head coaching vacancies.
After all, Jessica Johnson is the other half of the football coach, and she has been by his side during all the ups and downs of his life
Ben Johnson And His Wife Jessica Are Proud Parents Of Three Kids
Ben Johnson and Jessica Johnson have been married for nearly a decade. The precise date of their marriage is unknown.
Ben Johnson said when he and his wife moved to Detroit, they felt like this city was "waiting for a moment like this, a season like this."
— Jeanna Trotman (@JeannaTrotmanTV) January 25, 2024
He said the support has been overwhelming and it's been special to watch. pic.twitter.com/RbkIlfgjIR
However, the couple were already married and had a child by 2018. This suggests that the Johnsons have been together at least since the mid-2010s.
Since then, the smitten couple has been merrily together and shared their ups and downs.
According to Johnson’s profile on the Detroit Lions website, the married duo also share three children: Emory, Kennedy, and Halle Johnson.
The Detroit Lions offensive coordinator’s first child is a daughter, Emory, and their second child is a son named Kennedy.
Similarly, the youngest of the Johnson bunch is a baby girl, Halle.
Ben and his wife are very protective of their children. The pair have not shared much about their personal life on social media.
Regardless, they are leading a happy family of five.
Additional Information
- Ben Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be in seven figures, which he amassed throughout his coaching career.
- The former Miami Dolphins assistant quarterbacks coach was born on 11 May 1986 in Charleston, South Carolina.
- According to USA Today, Johnson is going to be one of the hottest head coaching candidates in the upcoming cycle.
- But, reports suggest that he has specific requirements for any future head coaching role.
- The reported requirements for Johnson hint at his interest in the Chicago Bears, given their recent history of poor decisions and the presence of a rising star quarterback, Caleb Williams.
