Advertisement

Ben Johnson is back: Detroit Lions OC says no thanks to Commanders, Seahawks

The Detroit Lions heard good news Tuesday: Ben Johnson is returning as offensive coordinator for a third season.

Johnson, 37, was a favorite to become the head coach of the Washington Commanders, and was also a candidate for the Seattle Seahawks job, but decided to back out for a second straight coaching cycle in hopes of completing unfinished business with the Lions, a league source confirmed to the Free Press.

The franchise's quest for its first Super Bowl ended Sunday evening in a heartbreaking loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC championship game.

TRENDING: Ben Johnson makes Lions early offseason winners: 'One of the best offensive minds'

Johnson, who interviewed with five teams in the head coach search this January, was reportedly set to meet with the Commanders in Detroit on Tuesday before having a change of heart. Washington was also in town to meet with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

"His asking price spooked some teams, per sources," ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted.

Johnson, a finalist for Assistant Coach of the Year for the second year in a row, has been one of the hottest names in the past two coaching cycles. He had multiple interviews last offseason and was even considered the favorite to take over in Carolina before deciding to return to the Lions. His decision paid off as the Lions had one of the best seasons in franchise history, in large part because of the offense.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches warm up ahead of the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson watches warm up ahead of the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.

The Lions were top five in the league over the regular season in total yards, rushing, passing, red zone and scoring, averaging 27.1 points per game. They scored at least 30 points in 12 of 20 games, including in two of three postseason matchups, and doubled their playoff win total from the previous 65 seasons combined.

[ Lions fans: Celebrate a renaissance 2023 season with this new book from the Free Press, "From Grit to Glory." ]

Johnson was tabbed a "rising star" and took over the coordinator role before the 2022 season, despite never having called plays previously at any level. He joined the Lions in 2019 under former head coach Matt Patricia as an offensive quality control coach, after spending 2012-18 as an assistant with the Miami Dolphins.

Head coach Dan Campbell retained Johnson, who he was familiar with from his own time in Miami, on the Lions' staff as the tight ends coach in 2021, and Johnson was promoted to passing game coordinator halfway through the season after OC Anthony Lynn was demoted. There, he quickly made a significant difference while Campbell took over play-calling.

Johnson was a walk-on quarterback at North Carolina, and graduated in 2008 with a degree in mathematics and computer science. He then began his coaching career in 2009 at Boston College as a graduate assistant. He is from Charleston, South Carolina.

TRENDING: Lions 2024 NFL mock draft: Experts agree on what they need in 1st round

Detroit Lions offensive stats under Ben Johnson

2023

  • Third in total offense (394.8 yards per game)

  • Fifth in scoring (27.1 points per game)

  • Second in passing (258.9 passing yards per game)

  • Fifth in rushing (135.9 rushing yards per game)

  • Fifth in offensive DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average)

  • Scored 30 points or more in 12 games, including twice in the playoffs

2022

  • Fourth in total offense (380 yards per game)

  • Fifth in scoring (26.6 points per game)

  • Eighth in passing (251.8 passing yards per game)

  • 13th in rushing (126.1 rushing yards per game)

  • Seventh in offensive DVOA

  • Scored 30 points or more in eight games

Free Press sports writer Dave Birkett contributed to this report.

To access exclusive Detroit Lions analysis of this move and more, become a Free Press subscriber with this special deal.

Customize your Free Press experience: Download our app for the latest news, alerts, eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ben Johnson staying with Lions, says no thanks to Commanders, Seahawks