Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lions OC Ben Johnson shows faith in HC Dan Campbell

By John Gidley | Last updated 1/30/24

A wrench was thrown into the NFL coaching carousel Tuesday when it was reported that Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson — presumed to be a top candidate for head-coaching openings in Washington and Seattle — would stay in his current role.

Lions OC Ben Johnson has decided to stay in Detroit, a source confirmed.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 30, 2024

Ben Johnson was not the head-coaching lock that people thought and his asking price spooked some teams, per sources. https://t.co/cFl2FPBtcY
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 30, 2024

The Lions are still reeling after blowing a 17-point lead to San Francisco in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, but the news of Johnson's return should give Detroit a positive jolt ahead of the 2024 season. Its offense ranked fifth in points per game (27.1) for the second straight season.

While Washington and Seattle now must scramble to find head coaches, Johnson staying put indicates his belief not only in the Lions offense but in head coach Dan Campbell.

Campbell has earned a reputation as the most aggressive risk-taker among NFL head coaches. This tendency did him in Sunday, when he chose to keep his offense on the field for two failed fourth-down conversions rather than kicking two manageable field goals.

For his part, Campbell didn't back down in his postgame news conference.

Dan Campbell on his fourth down decision-making: "I don’t regret those decisions. I understand the scrutiny I will get. That's part of the gig."

Campbell said he was trying to get the upper-hand back and he felt good about the offense converting.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 29, 2024

It could have been easy for Johnson to lose faith in Campbell and pivot to one of the two teams still in need of a head coach. Instead, Johnson showed that he still believes in Campbell's vision for the Lions.

Campbell also mentioned how hard it could be for Detroit to reach the NFC Championship Game again, especially considering its previous 32-year appearance gap. Retaining Johnson, however, could make the road to Super Bowl LVIX a little easier.

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