For Dallas Cowboys fans who had high hopes of landing Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, recent reports of Johnson’s desired salary may dampen those expectations.
Johnson, one of the most highly regarded young offensive minds in the NFL, reportedly sought a $15 million annual salary during the last offseason. As his stock rises, that price is only expected to go up—making him a potential long shot for the Cowboys, given their current salary structure under Jerry Jones.
The High Cost of Top-Tier Coaching Talent
The $15 million Johnson reportedly wanted would place him in an elite salary bracket for NFL head coaches. For perspective, only a select few NFL coaches command salaries in this range. Super Bowl champion Andy Reid earns $20 million annually, while other high-profile coaches like Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan are in the $14-15 million range. Johnson, a first-time head coach candidate, would be seeking compensation on par with these proven, highly accomplished leaders.
This hefty price tag may be prohibitive for Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, especially when considering that current head coach Mike McCarthy makes approximately $4.5 million per year. Paying Johnson—who has never held a head coaching position—three to four times what McCarthy currently earns could be difficult for Jones to justify, even with Johnson’s impressive resume.
Why Johnson’s Value Is on the Rise
Ben Johnson has made waves in the NFL with his work as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Under his guidance, Detroit has emerged as one of the league’s most explosive and efficient offenses, showcasing a balanced attack and creative play-calling that has garnered widespread attention. Johnson’s ability to develop young talent and maximize offensive potential has turned him into one of the hottest head-coaching candidates for the upcoming offseason.
With demand for offensive-minded coaches at an all-time high, Johnson’s leverage in contract negotiations is substantial. Many teams in need of a head coach would gladly pay a premium for a candidate with his potential to transform an offense. As such, his value only continues to rise, with teams likely willing to meet his salary demands to secure his services.
Jerry Jones’ Approach to Coaching Salaries
Historically, Jerry Jones has been cautious about making extravagant financial commitments to unproven coaching candidates. While he’s willing to invest in proven winners, paying a first-time head coach like Johnson $15 million annually might be a stretch for Jones. This isn’t only about Jones’ financial prudence; it’s also about the Cowboys’ unique culture, where Jones prefers to exercise control and maintain a significant presence in team operations. High-paid coaches with strong personalities tend to expect more autonomy—a dynamic that may not align with Jones’ management style.
Is Johnson Worth the Price for the Cowboys?
For the Cowboys, the decision to pursue Johnson would require not only a financial commitment but also a philosophical one. Johnson would bring an innovative approach and the offensive firepower that Dallas fans crave, but the move would likely come with a reimagining of Jones’ role in the organization. Given Dallas’s current structure and McCarthy’s relatively modest salary, the Cowboys may look for a less costly option if they ultimately decide to part ways with McCarthy.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not impossible for Jerry Jones to make a bold move and pay a premium to land Ben Johnson, fans shouldn’t get their hopes up. The $15 million price tag is steep, and Johnson’s rising profile may lead him to a franchise more willing to pay for a first-time head coach. For now, Cowboys fans may have to accept that while Johnson would be an exciting hire, his asking price makes him a challenging fit within Dallas’ existing framework.
