Ben Johnson’s agent denies a report that the Lions OC is seeking $15M per year

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Detroit
Photo: Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson made headlines this past week but it wasn’t for Detroit’s dismantling of the Denver Broncos last Saturday night.

This past Thursday, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports shared rumors about Johnson’s expected salary: “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.”

Since Thursday though, Johnson’s agent Richmond Flowers III has reportedly come forward according to Jeff Risdon of USA Today calling Anderson’s claim “100 percent false” and “irresponsible reporting”: “I’m told personnel around the league are discussing their awareness that there is no asking price or demand and this tweet is 100% false and irresponsible reporting, per source.”

If Johnson were to get $15M per season, he would be among the top five highest-paid head coaches in the league behind Bill Belichick and Sean Payton who make $20M and $18M per year respectively. It would also set a high market for head coaches in the NFL in an offseason that will likely see plenty of turnover and could mark the return of another big name in Jim Harbaugh.