As many Detroit Lions fans know, star offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was a hot name within head coaching candidate circles. The first-year coordinator interviewed virtually with multiple teams and was even named the lead candidate for both the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts. Lions fans have no fear, as NFL networks lead insider Tom Pelissero reports Johnson has informed interested teams he is staying in Detroit.
#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed interested teams he’s staying in Detroit, per sources.
Johnson was slated to travel Wednesday to interview with the #Panthers. But he feels Detroit is building something special and wants to see it through. Should be a hot HC name again next year. pic.twitter.com/vUNLyKFtLf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2023
Ben Johnson Returning to the Detroit Lions:
Tom Pelissero, a trusted name in the NFL reporting world, put out a tweet on January 17th, claiming his sources told him that Ben Johnson called interested teams on Tuesday to pull his name from the running. Per Pelissero, Johnson stated that “Detroit is building something special and I (Johnson) want to see it through.” He canceled his travel plans to Carolina for his in-person interview on Wednesday.
Lions fans and players alike took to social media after the report to show their appreciation for Johnson. Rookie corner Chase Lucas was the first to do so. The excitement is for good reason too, as Johnson led the Lions’ offense toward the top NFL and a 9-8 record. Helping the team achieve record numbers and coaching back the confidence of quarterback Jared Goff, much of the Detroit Lions’ success can be attributed to Ben Johnson. Coaching the team to over 26 points per game (sixth best in the league), and 380 yards per game (4th best in the league), Johnson always seemed to know the perfect play at the perfect time.
Genius 🧠 https://t.co/reDtw4ivhj
— Chase Lucas (@Chase_Lucas2) January 18, 2023
Detroit Lions fans worried throughout the season and early offseason about Johnson’s possible departure from the franchise. His name circulated through many coaching candidate circles for numerous teams, flying to the top of the list in Carolina and Indianapolis. Luckily for Detroit, Johnson isn’t going anywhere just yet. He is invested in the culture and future of this Lions team.
As many Detroiters know, the team is committed to building a new image of Detroit and this coaching staff has been a major part of it. The current regime of Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell has said time and again how much they appreciate the play-calling abilities of Ben Johnson.
Dan Campbell even had this to say about his current coordinator, “I think a ton of him. I think he’s – I’ve said it before, I just think he’s extremely bright, he’s creative. He’s organized. He’s a great communicator. I mean, he just, he’s got it.” Then said when asked about the possibility of Johnson being a head coach, “I think he’s worthy of that.” Obviously, this team has a strong belief in Johnson, with good reason as well. The rising star, Johnson, is a tremendous play-caller with the ability to draw up schemes to beat any defense. That, paired with his situational awareness and cool head, has allowed him to thrive in Detroit.
Lastly, if there are still any Ben Johnson doubters out there, one has to admit that having a head coaching candidate as an offensive coordinator will never be a bad thing. The choice to stay not only says a lot about Johnson but proves that the Detroit Lions have changed. A franchise that many ran away from is now grabbing coaches from higher positions and has players begging to stay. Excitement will only grow in Detroit and it should as the team embarks upon its third season under the current regime.
Contract length and salary are yet to be announced, but more will come soon. For now, everyone in Detroit can rejoice in the knowledge that their “wonderkid” coordinator will return to the team in 2023.
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