Ben Johnson was one of the most highly-anticipated candidates this past coaching cycle.
Johnson gave at least one interview. Seattle Seahawks NFL Network reported in January that he was being considered by Detroit and the Washington Commanders, but he withdrew his name from consideration to remain in Detroit.
Johnson served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator the past two seasons, and the 38-year-old assistant coach is the architect of one of the NFL’s best offensive lines for 2023.
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Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is photographed during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field on Sept. 24, 2023 in Detroit. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
In January, Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said Johnson chose to stay because of “unfinished business.”
“I was like, ‘So, what’s going on? You did the interview. You’re quitting?'” St. Brown said of his text messages with Johnson on the “St. Brown Brothers” podcast. “He was like, ‘Hey, I’m on my way to the facility.’ He said he couldn’t sleep last night. He was thinking about it and he was like, ‘I’ve got some unfinished business.’ He said he wanted to stay.”
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This week, Johnson said he’s happy with his situation with the Lions and elaborated further on his surprising decision to stay with the team.
“At the end of the day, we just wanted a little bit more sunshine,” Johnson told reporters during the Lions’ practice.
“That’s what’s really important to me. I like the sunshine. I like what we’ve built here with the owner, the head coach, the GM. We’ve got a great group of guys in the locker room. I’d like to reap the benefits with them for a little while longer.”
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Jared Goff (16) talk on the field before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Nov. 23, 2023 in Detroit. (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
Johnson added that future head coaching opportunities would have to be the right fit for him before he would consider leaving the Lions.
“So from that standpoint, if I get the opportunity to go down that path, it’s just a question of how do I get to that second contract, how do I prepare myself? The stars have to align. I’m not just doing it for the sake of doing it. I love what I’m doing. I love it. I love where I’m at. My family loves where I’m at. I love the people I’m doing it with. So I’m not going to go down any other path unless I’m really happy with where it’s going to go.”
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Dec. 10, 2023 in Chicago. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
Johnson acknowledged he would have to go through an “adjustment period” if he were to take the head coaching job, but made it clear he has no plans to relinquish play-calling duties.
“Ownership, staff and a vision for how to utilize my abilities,” Johnson said. “I like to call the plays. If I get a head coaching job, I want to be a head play-calling coach. Well, there’s only so many hours in the week, so what happens from Monday to Sunday in that respect? I just want to make sure everything is set in stone. There’s an adjustment period for anybody who takes this job.”
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The Lions are averaging the fourth-highest number of points allowed per game since Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2022. Johnson served as the team’s passing game coordinator in 2021. Detroit’s 387.4 yards allowed per game were best in the NFL.
Rookies Jameer Gibbs and Sam LaPorta flourished in Johnson’s first season with the offense. Both were Rookie of the Year candidates. Johnson was creative with the play throughout the season, and four Lions players finished with over 500 scrimmage yards.
Johnson will likely be a highly touted head coaching candidate in 2025, but his decision to remain in Detroit allows the Lions to focus on other offseason priorities rather than worrying about filling a gaping hole in their coaching staff.
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