Ben Johnson decided to remain Lions offensive coordinator for at least 2023, but will he regret not taking a head coaching job this year?
Ben Johnson was a first-year offensive coordinator and play caller for the Detroit Lions this year, after raising his stock from tight ends coach as the passing game coordinator late in the 2021 season.
The Lions were a top-five scoring and total yardage offense this year, and Johnson was in heavy demand as a head coaching candidate. But before he could even have his third schedule interview, last Wednesday (Jan. 13) with the Carolina Panthers, news broke he has told teams interested in him he was staying in Detroit.
Talk culture, continuing to build something special in Detroit or whatever, it comes down to this. Johnson reportedly got a significant raise to stay on as the Lions offensive coordinator. It’s still not the money a head coach would get, or the multi-year security that a head coaching contract usually comes with, but credit to the Lions for doing what they had to to keep Johnson at least one more year.
Make no mistake, we will be right back here with head coaching buzz around Johnson a year from now. Most likely anyway, as long as the Lions have a prolific offense again next season. There is a case for this year being the peak of his stock as a head coaching candidate, only to go down from here.
Here are three seasons Johnson will regret not taking a head coaching job this year.