This week on the FOX 9 Gophers Coaches Show, men’s basketball coach Ben Johnson joins Justin Gaard and FOX 9’s Ahmad Hicks to discuss the season so far, and the challenges they face ahead.

Ben Johnson highlighted his ability to rise to each challenge while he was a position coach and coordinator but one possible danger could be unchecked.

Displayed in a wicker chair on the front porch of Ben Johnson’s boyhood home, atop a hill 15 minutes southeast of downtown, is a framed sign with North Carolina Tar Heels logos that reads, “Whatever It Takes.

After serving as offensive coordinator in Detroit since 2022, Johnson now joins Lions head coach Dan Campbell, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, and Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, in a division full of rivalries, and bright minds.

In a new article by ESPN's Courtney Cronin, a team source revealed that Johnson signed a five-year, $65 million contract worth $13 million per year. That's well above what most first-time head coaches receive and speaks volumes about how badly the Bears wanted Johnson. For comparison, former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus made $6 million per year.

Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson won the AP assistant coach of the year award with 29 first-place votes.

One former member of the staff, offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, has been named the 2024 NFL Assistant Coach of the Year after a season in which the Lions enjoyed a historic offensive output. The award was announced Thursday at the NFL Honors ceremony in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Ben Johnson has been the Chicago Bears head coach for a couple of weeks, but he's still earning awards for his time with the Detroit Lions. On Thursday at the 14th Annual NFL Honors, Johnson won the 2024 Associated Press Assistant Coach of the Year award.