Lions OC Ben Johnson’s Explanation for Turning Down Head Coaching Jobs Resurfaces

Johnson wants to stay a part of what the Lions are building.

The most surprising news out of the NFL this week may have been Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson withdrawing his name from consideration for one of the two remaining head coach openings. 

Rather than talk with the Washington Commanders (for a second interview) and Seattle Seahawks about their open positions, Johnson opted to stay with the Lions and oversee Dan Campbell’s offense for a third season. 

The Commanders looked forward to partnering Johnson with new general manager Adam Peters, according to The Athletic. Getting hired for that job appeared to be inevitable. Lions players, coaches and executives expected to lose him. 

So why did Johnson, 37, take himself out of the running? As he explained last year when his coaching star was rising and he had interviewed for the Carolina Panthers job, Johnson is very comfortable with the Lions and likes being part of the team’s upward trajectory. Those same sentiments very likely apply now.

Ben Johnson enjoys being a part of the Detroit Lions’ turnaround into one of the NFL’s best teams :: Kirthmon F. Dozier/The Detroit Free Press/USA TODAY Network

“I love Dan Campbell, I’ve known him for a long time,” Johnson told reporters at last year’s NFL scouting combine. “I believe in the direction of this organization. And so that truly was the biggest drawing point for me to come back, was what we have here, what we’re building here, is something I want to be a part of. I’ve been a part of a number of losing seasons in my 11 years in the NFL.”

Johnson’s decision raised eyebrows, considering that Johnson seemed assured of getting a head coaching job during this hiring cycle. Eight teams moved on from their coaches either during the regular season or after the campaign ended. However, the Lions’ run to the NFC championship game may have prevented him from more serious discussions with organizations that wanted a new coach urgently. 

If Johnson continues running one of the NFL’s best offenses with quarterback Jared Goff, he figures to be in consideration for more jobs next year—some of which might be better than what was available this time around.

Editors’ note, Jan. 31 at 3:07 p.m. ET: An earlier version of this story misstated that Johnson’s quote is from this year. In fact, Johnson spoke about turning down head coaching opportunities at the NFL scouting combine in March 2023.