Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, was a highly sought-after candidate during the recent coaching cycle in the NFL. He had interviews with both the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders but ultimately decided to withdraw his name from consideration to remain in Detroit. Johnson had been instrumental in leading one of the top offenses in the league in 2023, and his decision to stay put was motivated by a sense of “unfinished business” with the Lions.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown revealed that Johnson’s choice to remain with the team stemmed from a desire to continue building on what they had already established. Johnson himself expressed his satisfaction with the situation in Detroit, citing the positive relationships he had with ownership, the head coach, the general manager, and the players. He emphasized the importance of alignment and a good fit in any future head coaching opportunities, stating that he would only consider leaving the Lions if he felt confident in the direction the new role would take him.
As Johnson contemplates potential future head coaching opportunities, he acknowledged that there would likely be an adjustment period if he were to take on a new role. He reiterated his passion for play-calling and indicated that he would prefer to continue doing so as a head coach. Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions’ offensive performance has been impressive, with the team ranking among the top in points scored and total yards per game in the league. Rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta both flourished in Johnson’s system, garnering consideration for Rookie of the Year honors.
Looking ahead to the 2025 coaching cycle, it is anticipated that Ben Johnson will once again be a highly sought-after candidate for head coaching positions. His decision to remain in Detroit for the time being has allowed the Lions to focus on other offseason priorities without the need to fill a significant coaching vacancy. Johnson’s success with the Lions and his dedication to the team indicate that any potential future role would have to be the right fit for him to consider leaving his current position. His commitment to the organization and the relationships he has built within the team speak to his desire to continue working towards their shared goals.
