Former Chicago Bears head coach Sean Payton now head coach of Denver Broncos send shocking message to Ben Johnson concerning….
Former Chicago Bears head coach Sean Payton, now leading the Denver Broncos, has reportedly sent a shocking message to Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson concerning his future in the NFL. Payton, known for his bold and outspoken nature, allegedly warned Johnson about the challenges of becoming a head coach too soon, cautioning him about the pitfalls that many young coordinators face when making the leap to the top job.
Ben Johnson has been one of the most sought-after names in coaching circles, particularly after leading the Lions’ offense to impressive success over the past two seasons. His innovative play-calling and ability to maximize talent have drawn significant interest from teams looking for a new head coach. Last offseason, Johnson was heavily linked to several head coaching vacancies but decided to remain in Detroit, citing “unfinished business.” However, it appears that Sean Payton may have reached out with a strong message regarding his next career move.
Sources close to the situation suggest that Payton’s message to Johnson focused on the importance of choosing the right opportunity rather than rushing into a head coaching role simply because the opportunity is available. Payton, who spent over a decade as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints before taking a brief hiatus from coaching, understands the pressure that comes with the role. His time with the Saints was marked by both great success—including a Super Bowl win—but also intense scrutiny and high expectations.
Payton’s own experience may serve as a cautionary tale for Johnson. Some believe Payton sees parallels between Johnson’s current trajectory and that of other highly touted coordinators who struggled as head coaches due to poor team situations. Many young offensive minds have taken head coaching roles on teams that lacked a strong quarterback, stable front office, or long-term vision—factors that can quickly derail even the most talented coaches.
It’s unclear how Johnson has responded to Payton’s message, but with another coaching cycle approaching, his name will once again be at the top of many teams’ lists. While the idea of running his own team is undoubtedly enticing, Johnson may take Payton’s advice to heart and carefully evaluate his next step.
Whether Payton’s words were meant as genuine guidance or a strategic move to influence coaching hires remains unknown. However, one thing is clear—Ben Johnson has a major decision ahead, and Sean Payton’s warning could play a key role in shaping his future.