Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was at one point viewed as the hottest head coach candidate in the NFL, but he decided to remain at his current job for at least another season. And he is happy to explain why.
Johnson was asked on Thursday about turning down head coach opportunities earlier this offseason. He mentioned how there were eight head coach vacancies and estimated that as many as five of the coaches who took those jobs will be fired within three years. The 38-year-old also said he loves his current job.
Fans appreciated Johnson’s honesty, and his response went viral.
“When I look at it from that perspective, if I get the opportunity to go down that road, it’s about how do I get to that second contract. How do I set myself up that the stars need to align. I’m not gonna do it just to do it,” Johnson said. “I love what I’m doing right now, love it. I love where I’m at. My family loves where we’re at. I love the people that we’re doing it with, so I’m not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it’s gonna unfold.”
#Lions OC Ben Johnson explained why he stayed in Detroit instead of taking a head coach position.
Johnson mentioned that of the eight openings this offseason, five of those hires will likely be gone in the next three years.
He wants to be sure he can secure a second contract as… pic.twitter.com/UrXFEJt3VZ
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 31, 2024
Johnson also mentioned how he experienced winning in the playoffs for the first time last season. He said he wants to “experience the sunshine a little longer” rather than trying to rebuild a team.
Ben Johnson on why he returned to the #Lions pic.twitter.com/JxKOZsFroO
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 31, 2024
Johnson was viewed as a lock to become the next head coach of the Washington Commanders a few months back, but that talk was premature. There have been a number of different theories about why he did not end up with the job.
Ultimately, Johnson knows that he will likely have opportunities to become a head coach next year and the year after that, as long as Detroit’s offense doesn’t suddenly become a disaster. Johnson is at a point in his career where he has the luxury of being able to wait.
