Buccaneers Rumors: 5 candidates to replace Todd Bowles
By Ryan Heckman
5. Ben Johnson, Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Maybe the most coveted head coaching candidate this next offseason will be Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Last offseason, Johnson turned down an interview with the Carolina Panthers in order to stick around Detroit because he liked what they were building. So far, it looks like Johnson's decision has only furthered his case to become a head coach.
This season, the Lions are the league's fourth-best offense in terms of yards per game and fifth-best in scoring. He has done a masterful job with this unit and has helped Jared Goff enjoy a career resurgence. Goff was supposed to be more of a throw-in with the Matthew Stafford trade, but he has played great football and the Lions are winning with him under center.
Above all else, I think the league is definitely trending toward more offensive minds being hired rather than defensive ones. If you look at the top teams around the league like the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, they all have offensive minds at head coach. That is the blueprint the Bucs need to emulate.
And once again, they'll have to figure out the long-term quarterback solution. For now, it should begin with firing Todd Bowles and looking ahead.