Ben Johnson on decision to stay Lions OC: 'I like the sunshine'

In 2023, Ben Johnson’s exceptional performance in offense led many to view him as a leading contender for a head coaching position in 2024.

He flirted with the idea, taking interviews before ultimately pulling out to return to Detroit. Now wasn’t the time.

On Thursday, Johnson explained his reasoning.

Johnson shared with reporters, “Post the championship game, as I boarded the plane, I found myself reflecting on a metaphor Coach Dan Campbell had shared with us. He had spoken to us during 2021 and the early part of 2022 about our journey being akin to sailing down the ocean and being in the Arctic at that moment. We were confronting icebergs and enduring storms – those were hard times. Yet, he had the foresight and vision of our destination and path ahead.”

He reassured us, saying, “Fellows, I understand our direction. Although we haven’t achieved the results yet, the Caribbean is within our sight. It’s approaching.” As I sat on the plane, I reflected on his words. Much of my career has been spent in the harsh, cold Arctic; this was only my second time in the playoffs, my first experience of victory in the games. Ultimately, I longed for a bit more sunshine. That’s the crux of the matter for me.

I enjoy the sunshine. I appreciate what we’ve established here, beginning with the ownership, head coach, GM, and everyone else involved. We possess an excellent team in the locker room and I wish to savor the success with them for a while longer.

Johnson realized the wisdom in the adage that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side at a crucial time. He was contemplating leaving Detroit, a city that had transformed from a desolate wasteland to a vibrant green oasis almost overnight. Johnson conceded that the transformation wasn’t as swift as it seemed. But he questioned the sense in leaving when the city was just starting to blossom.

Why bother packing up only to end up in another unproductive field?

Johnson, during his Thursday press conference, explained, “There are multiple factors and dynamics to consider. One thing that strikes me is that there were eight openings this past year. If we were to predict how many of them will still be employed in three years, I’d estimate around 4.5. So, there’s a high likelihood that five of them would be jobless by then. Therefore, if I get a chance to proceed in this direction, my focus would be on securing a second contract and setting up my future.”

The stars must be in harmony. I won’t do it just for the sake of it. I am passionate about my current pursuit. Truly passionate. I am content with where I am in life. My family also appreciates our current situation. We cherish the people we are sharing this journey with. Therefore, I’m not prepared to venture on a different path yet, unless I am confident about its promising outcome.

Johnson’s reasoning, while perhaps not overly ambitious, is certainly sound. Many coaches have abandoned good situations for poor ones, only to be dismissed after only a short time when they fail to effect quick change. Having battled through the hardships of previous seasons, Johnson feels reluctant to leave before fully benefiting from his hard work and the contributions of many others.

Detroit has followed suit, spending lavishly to lock up key actors in Johnson’s offense. Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell all received lucrative extensions in 2024, setting the course for years of prosperity if everything goes according to plan.

If the outcomes align with the expectations, Johnson understands that his chances of promotion elsewhere will increase. For now, he is satisfied with further enhancing his skills as a coordinator of one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL. He hopes that this will yield even better results before he steps up to take on a more prominent role.

“Being in the coordinator chair for a longer period only enhances your preparedness for any future opportunities that may arise,” said Johnson. “Personally, I don’t believe it’s negatively impacting my potential or my capabilities to act as a coordinator in the future, and I thoroughly enjoy my current role.”

Detroit also holds great affection for him, appreciating both his accomplishments and his choice to remain with the Lions rather than seeking a more prominent position elsewhere. As Campbell expressed on Thursday, the atmosphere is currently quite positive.

Let the good vibes roll.