Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (left) and head coach Dan Campbell (right) looking on.CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 10: Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions look on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Detroit offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was one of the top names in this year’s NFL head coaching hiring cycle, but the 37-year-old ultimately decided to return to the Lions for another year.

Johnson interviewed for the Washington Commanders’ head coaching vacancy, but he informed the NFC West club that he was withdrawing his name from consideration. Washington later hired ex-Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their new head coach.

 

According to ESPN’s Jenna Laine, Johnson was “turned off” by the new Commanders’ ownership group led by Josh Harris.

Johnson viewed them as “basketball guys” who seemed “too confident in their football opinions”, Laine added. And on top of that, Laine stated that Johnson’s interview with the Commanders simply didn’t go “well”.

The Lions finished with the No. 5 scoring defense in 2022 and 2023, reaching their first NFC Championship Game since 1991 this year.

Johnson may not have gotten a head coaching position this year, but at 37 years of age, he’s got all the time in the world. Another strong showing as Detroit’s OC next year will all but clinch a head coaching position somewhere in the league, as long as he wants one.