Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is returning to the team, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday.
Lions OC Ben Johnson To Stay In Detroit
#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed the #Seahawks and #Commanders that he’s staying in Detroit, per sources.
Johnson is still only 37 and will be a hot head coaching candidate again next year. But first, he wants to take another shot at bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Detroit. pic.twitter.com/lPg2Po33sx
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2024
Johnson garnered significant interest from several NFL teams for their head coaching vacancies, most notably the Washington Commanders. Johnson was the massive favorite on BetOnline for the next Commanders head coach.
Johnson was scheduled to meet with Washington and Seattle, the NFL’s two remaining head coaching positions, later this week.
However, Johnson elects to stay in Detroit rather than pursue the head coaching positions with the Commanders and Seahawks.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that some teams “balked” at Johnson’s asking price to be a head coach.
Ben Johnson Has Unfinished Business With Detroit Lions
Ben Johnson staying in DET is a completely disastrous development for the Commanders.
Their remaining 5 candidates are Mike MacDonald, Anthony Weaver, Aaron Glenn, Dan Quinn and Bobby Slowik.
** Only one offensive HC candidate in an era when you should be hiring offensive **
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) January 30, 2024
Johnson is the catalyst behind a Lions’ offense that became one of the league’s best since taking over as the offensive coordinator. The Lions were fourth in yards (380.0 yards/game) and fifth in scoring (26.6 points/game) this past season.
Johnson has also played an integral role in the development of quarterback Jared Goff, who ranked second in passing yards (4,575) and fourth in touchdowns (30) in 2023.
2023 was a turning point for the Lions, who won the NFC North and hosted a home playoff game for the first time since 1991.
In the NFC Championship, Detroit held a 24-7 halftime lead over the San Francisco 49ers. However, costly turnovers and missed 4th down calls allowed the 49ers to execute a successful comeback and win 34-31.
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