On Tuesday, Ben Johnson gave Detroit Lions fans a golden nugget of positive news. The sought-after offensive coordinator is returning to lead the Lions’ offense in 2024.
Johnson was the hot favorite for the Washington Commanders job. Commanders executives were flying to Detroit for interviews with Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
#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
Ben Johnson informed Washington while their staff were in the air. Johnson’s return is the first positive news for the Detroit Lions. Following their heart breaking NFC Championship loss, Dan Campbell did hint that running it back would be difficult.
The 37-year-old’s return is a testament to the buy-in and positive culture the Lions have created. Moreover, the Lions’ offense is still very young. The opportunity to develop and lead a talented group of players and work under Dan Campbell was clearly too good to move on from.
Ben Johnson DECLINES head coaching opportunities with both the Commanders and Seahawks to stay as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions.
THAT is how much does bringing the first Super Bowl to Detroit means!#OnePride #AllGrit pic.twitter.com/j3ot08Jorc
— Detroit Lions on Tap (@LionsOnTap) January 30, 2024