Houston Texans to Interview Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Johnson

The Houston Texans are embarking on an elaborate rebuild, and they've set their sights on an offensive coordinator that has been a huge part of a recent successful one. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the team will officially interview Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson today

#Lions OC Ben Johnson is interviewing for the #Texans head coaching job today, per source.

The #Colts (Friday) and #Panthers (next week) are up next for Johnson, one of the hottest candidates in this cycle.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 12, 2023

Johnson coached the Lions offense to the fifth most points, the fourth most yards, and the fewest giveaways in the league in 2021, his first season as the team's offensive coordinator. Quarterback Jared Goff, who the Los Angeles Rams gave up on following the 2020 season, revived his career by passing for 4438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions with an efficient 99.3 passer rating. The Lions finished the season 9-8 but lost out on a playoff spot due to tiebreakers.

Johnson (36) fits in well with an overall trend in the NFL toward younger, offensive-minded head coaches. Sean McVay got the ball rolling when he took over the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 at 31 years old, but many others have found success: Kevin O'Connell (37) and Mike McDaniel (39) coached the Minnesota Vikings and Miami Dolphins to playoff appearances in their debut seasons this year, and Matt LaFleur has been a smashing success ever since taking over the Green Bay Packers at 40 (.712 winning percentage).