Ben Johnson Explains Decision to Stay With Lions Despite Coaching Interest

Detroit's offensive coordinator sheds light on his choice to remain with the team, citing sunshine, unfinished business, and contentment with his current situation.

Ben Johnson, the architect of one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, sat down with reporters this week to explain his surprising decision to stay with the Detroit Lions despite receiving significant interest from other teams during the recent coaching cycle.

"When it boils down to it, I wanted the sunshine a bit longer," Johnson said. "That's really what it comes down to for me. I like the sunshine. I like what we've built here, starting with ownership, the head coach, the GM on down. We have a great group of guys in the locker room, and I want to reap the rewards with them a little bit longer."

Johnson emphasized that he is content with his role and the progress the Lions have made under head coach Dan Campbell. "I love what I'm doing right now. Love it. I love where I'm at. My family loves where we're at. Love the people that we're doing it with. So, I'm not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it's going to unfold."

While acknowledging that he may eventually pursue a head coaching opportunity, Johnson made it clear that any potential move would need to align with his vision and long-term goals. "If I get the opportunity to go down that road, it's about how do I get to that second contract. How do I set myself up? The stars need to align. I'm not going to do it just to do it."

Johnson expressed a preference for retaining play-calling duties if he were to take on a head coaching role, recognizing the time constraints that come with the position. "If I took a head coaching job, I would want to be a play-calling head coach. Well, there's a limit to how much time there is during a week. So, what's it going to look like Monday through Sunday in that regard? Just want to make sure everything's nailed down."

Johnson's decision to stay in Detroit has been met with praise from Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who credits Johnson's commitment to the team as a sign of unfinished business. "He said, 'You know what, I'm on my way to the facility right now.' He said he couldn't sleep last night. He was thinking about it, and he said, 'There's unfinished business.' He wants to stay."

The Lions have thrived under Johnson's offensive leadership, averaging the fourth most points per game since his promotion to offensive coordinator in 2022. Detroit's 387.4 yards per game was the best in the NFL, showcasing the team's offensive prowess.

Rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta flourished in their first season in Johnson's offense, both receiving Rookie of the Year consideration. Johnson's creative play-calling and player development have been instrumental in the Lions' resurgence.

Johnson's decision to remain in Detroit has allowed the Lions to focus on other offseason priorities, such as building depth through the NFL Draft and free agency. With Johnson at the helm of the offense, the Lions are poised to continue their upward trajectory and contend for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.

As the 2025 coaching cycle approaches, Johnson will undoubtedly be a sought-after candidate for head coaching positions. However, his unwavering commitment to the Lions and his desire to achieve success with the team suggest that he may be in no rush to leave Detroit.