NFL Rumors: What Top Coaching Candidate Seeking In Annual Contract

Ben Johnson is widely viewed as one of the hottest NFL head coaching candidates given his current role as offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. Johnson apparently views himself in a high regard, as well.

CBS Sports NFL insider Josina Anderson reported Thursday some league owners have been told Johnson’s asking price is approximately $15 million per season.

I'm told personnel around the league are discussing their awareness that some Owners have been told #Lions OC Ben Johnson's asking price is at least or around $15M/year for a head coach job, per source. pic.twitter.com/uhX3eqsNQR

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) December 21, 2023

Sportico reported last month four head coaches in the NFL make $15 million or more per season. Longtime New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick ($25 million), Denver Broncos’ Sean Payton ($18 million), Seattle Seahawks’ Pete Carroll ($15 million) and Los Angeles Rams’ Sean McVay ($15 million) make up that list, per Sportico.

The list also includes Kyle Shanahan ($14 million), Mike Tomlin ($12.5 million) and John Harbaugh ($12 million).

There already are a few openings with the Los Angeles Chargers viewed as the top option for head coaches. However, there are likely to be a few more added to the list after Black Monday in the NFL, perhaps even jobs like the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys.