Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lions OC explains surprising decision to stay with team

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated May 30, 2024 3:47 PM ET

Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson surprised many when he decided to return to the Detroit Lions in the same role over the offseason. What was more shocking and controversial was how he made his decision before even interviewing for a Washington Commanders job with which he had been heavily linked.

Johnson explained the move on Thursday.

#Lions OC Ben Johnson says he wants the sun to shine a little bit longer in Detroit. He wants to reap the benefits of winning with the #Lions. That's why he decided to return. "I'm not gonna do it just to do it. I love what I'm doing right now," he said.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) May 30, 2024

Lions OC Ben Johnson opening up about his decision to return to Detroit.

Johnson: "I'm not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it's gonna unfold."

Wants to set himself up for a second contract. For now, he's enjoying Detroit.
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) May 30, 2024

The 38-year-old coordinator was, at one point over the offseason, considered a favorite to become the new head coach of the Commanders.

It was reported in early February that Johnson's agent shared his client's plans to stay with the Lions by texting Washington officials while the Commanders' group was on a flight to Michigan.

Washington ended up hiring former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be its new leader.

According to a report by Ben Standig and Dianna Russini of The Athletic, one "high-ranking executive" from another team revealed his feelings about Johnson's decision through a text.

"I like Ben. A year ago, he knew he wasn't ready," the message read, per the report. "I get a feeling he still thinks he needs time. Who knows? But to break (the decision) while they were in the air is a poor choice."

Furthermore, one of Russini's and Standig's league sources told them that the way Johnson informed the Commanders of his choice was "outrageous" and the kind of move that can ruin a coach's reputation.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell also discussed his assistant's decision to return on Thursday.

Dan Campbell on Ben Johnson's decision to return: "I think he feels like it's a good opportunity here and he wants to make the most of it."

Says he thinks everything needs to be right for Johnson to take a head coaching job.

"It's a good vibe right now."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) May 30, 2024

The Lions have had the NFL's fifth-ranked offense in each of Johnson's first two seasons with the club, averaging 26.6 points per game in 2022 and 27.1 in 2023.

Victor Barbosa

Victor Barbosa is a passionate follower of MLB, the NBA and NFL, with a deep interest in Boston-area teams. He graduated from Springfield College -- The Birthplace of Basketball -- in 2013 with a degree in Communications-Sports Journalism. Previous bylines include FanSided, Heavy and Syracuse

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