DETROIT – The Detroit Lions are still reeling from their loss in the NFC Championship Game, but they started the offseason with a major victory, keeping offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for another season.
Tom Pelissero, of NFL Network, reports that Johnson has told the Seahawks and Commanders that he’s staying in Detroit.
Johnson, 37, was one of the most popular head coaching candidates in the NFL this year. After the Lions’ season officially came to an end on Sunday, Johnson was expected to receive a head coaching job.
The Washington Commanders were considered a team of particular interest for Johnson.
Instead, he will apparently stick around for at least one more season to lead what was one of the most potent offenses in the league. With Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Taylor Decker all under contract, the unit should be excellent once again.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn was also interviewed for multiple head coaching vacancies. It’s currently unclear if he will take one of those jobs or return to the Lions.
The Lions went 12-5 this season and won their first division championship in the NFC North era. They also hosted their first playoff games at Ford Field, beating both the Rams and Buccaneers.
A 17-point halftime lead wasn’t enough against the 49ers in San Francisco, though, as the Lions fell just short of their first Super Bowl appearance.
Dan Campbell was honest with his team after the loss, saying there’s no guarantee they’ll get back to this point. But keeping Johnson definitely helps their chances next season.
#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed the #Seahawks and #Commanders that he’s staying in Detroit, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2024
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
