Sorry, Commanders, Lions OC Johnson to stay put
The Commanders’ coaching search will have to continue, as Ben Johnson reportedly decided to remain the Lions’ offensive coordinator next season.
Johnson, considered among the top upand-comers on the coaching market, told the Commanders and the Seahawks of his decision, according to NFL Media.
The 37-year-old Johnson’s stock shot up during a 2023 season in which the Lions ranked fourth in the NFL in scoring (28.7 points per game) and total offense (389.0 yards per game).
Johnson’s decision comes two days after the Lions lost to the 49ers, 34-31, in the NFC Championship Game. Now, the Lions’ play-caller returns for another run at a Super Bowl following Sunday’s heartbreaker, during which Detroit surrendered a 24-7 lead.
This season marked Johnson’s second as Detroit’s offensive coordinator and fifth as a member of the Lions’ coaching staff. The Lions went 12-5 this season and won the NFC North for the first time in team history.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff surpassed 4,400 passing yards and threw at least 29 touchdown passes in both seasons with Johnson as his coordinator. Running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery; wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown; and tight end Sam LaPorta each scored at least 10 touchdowns this season in Johnon’s offense.
Johnson was considered a strong contender for the Commanders’ job, which became vacant with the team’s firing of Ron Rivera after four seasons. Washington’s brass was traveling for a second meeting with Johnson on Tuesday when it learned of his decision, according to ESPN.
The Commanders will reportedly still meet with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn about the opening, as originally planned.
Washington, which bottomed out at 4-13 in 2023, holds the second overall pick in April’s draft and is expected to consider selecting a quarterback, with USC’s Caleb Williams, UNC’s Drake Maye and LSU’s Jayden Daniels among the touted prospects to declare.
The Seahawks, who moved longtime head coach Pete Carroll to an advisory role this offseason, had also planned a second meeting with Johnson. Seattle — the only other team with a head-coaching vacancy — has been linked to Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald as well.