5 possible Mike McCarthy replacements for Cowboys if disaster strikes

3. Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

There isn't going to be a coaching candidate list this offseason that doesn't have Ben Johnson's name on it. Johnson, who led an offensive resurgence for the Detroit Lions in 2022, was the hottest name this past year as well. However, he decided to go back to Detroit and all he did was make his name more prominent.

The Lions have been one of the best stories in the league as they won the NFC North for the first time. They're a very well-rounded team but their offense has been elite. They're top five in both yards and points and if they were in the race for the No. 1 seed until late in the year.

What's been most impressive is the way Johnson has gotten the most out of Jared Goff. He went from a quarterback who was widely considered a bust to someone who has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in each of the past two seasons while boasting an interception rate under two percent during his time under Johnson.

The one concern with Johnson might be his salary demands. There were reports he wanted $15 million to take a head coaching job anywhere this offseason. His agent has come out and disputed those reports but he's going to be in demand and can ask for a lot. Jerry Jones has the deepest pockets in the NFL but he might not be willing to get into a bidding war for a coordinator with no head coaching experience.