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Eric WoodyardGAME
DETROIT — After spending the first winning season in Motor City since 2017, Detroit lion Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has informed the team that he will return for the 2023 season, a league source confirmed to ESPN’s David Newton on Tuesday night.
Johnson received serious interest for multiple head coach positions after the Lions’ offense finished fifth in the league in points scored (26.6 per game) over the course of the season. his first as its coordinator.
He interviewed for top jobs with Houston Texas and Indianapolis Universityboth teams announced earlier and he scheduled a meeting with Carolina Newspaper on Wednesdays in Charlotte.
Johnson, 36, chose to stay in Detroit because he believes the Lions are gearing up to build something special and he doesn’t want to leave the one-year job, the source told Newton.
Ahead of the season finale, Johnson declined to comment on how he would approach any head coaching opportunities during the season.
“We’re looking to beat the Packers,” Johnson said during practice January 5. “Yeah. Don’t talk about that.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell often praises Johnson for his ability to call for creative play and his overall relationship with the team. Campbell said he sees him as a potential head coach in the league but he also doesn’t want to lose him from his staff.
“He’s going to deserve it. I think a lot about Ben,” Campbell said earlier this month. “I told you: I just think he’s super smart. He’s creative, he’s organized, he’s a great communicator. I mean he understands and I’ll do anything. What can I do to help him? That’s the bottom line. Of course, I don’t want to lose him, but I’m not going to keep him either. I’ll help him in any way I can.”
Prior to his appointment as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, Johnson spent three seasons in the Lions organization as head coach and offensive quality control coach.
Johnson is the second Carolina candidate to cancel an interview. the other is patriot quarterback coach Jerod Mayo, who decided to stay in New England.
Panthers also decided not to move forward with San Francisco 49ers DeMeco Ryans defensive coordinator for logistics, a source told Newton.
The Panthers interviewed former Lions coach Jim Caldwell, former Colts coach Frank Reich, Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks and Philadelphia Eagles attack coordinator Shane Steichen. The Panthers are scheduled to meet with the former Saint New Orleans coach Sean Payton on Friday in New York City.
The NFL Network was the first to report that Johnson would be returning to the Lions.
