Ben Johnson informs teams he’s staying with Lions

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will continue to coordinate the Lions’ offense, for at least one more year.

Johnson has informed teams potentially interested in his services as a head coach for 2023 that he’ll be staying put, according to NFL Media.

Johnson was linked to the Colts, Panthers, and Texans.

That’s very good news for the Lions, since it means that coach Dan Campbell won’t need to find a replacement for Johnson.

Former North Carolina quarterback, he began coaching in 2009. He arrived in Detroit in 2019, as a member of Matt Patricia’s staff. After serving as tight ends coach in 2020, 2021, he was promoted to offensive coordinator and replaced Anthony Lynn.

It’s being assumed that Johnson will have chances to become a head coach in 2024. We thought so a year ago. Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich; he’s now in danger of being let go by the Bucs.

Johnson became a hot candidate because Detroit’s offensive performed better than expected in 2022, and because quarterback Jared Goff His performance was good enough to guarantee his future with team. A different skill set is required for the job of NFL head coach.

Some coordinators can perform in the much different job of head coach, and some can’t. There’s only one way to find out — the coordinator has to try the job.

And for every Sean Payton, there’s a Nathaniel Hackett. Where Ben Johnson falls on that spectrum won’t be determined for a year, at a minimum.

Report: Ben Johnson informs teams he’s staying with Lions Original publication: Pro Football Talk