Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson surprised many when he decided to return to the Detroit Lions in the same role over the offseason. What was more shocking and controversial was how he made his decision before even interviewing for a Washington Commanders job with which he had been heavily linked.
Johnson explained the move on Thursday.
The 38-year-old coordinator was, at one point over the offseason, considered a favorite to become the new head coach of the Commanders.
It was reported in early February that Johnson’s agent shared his client’s plans to stay with the Lions by texting Washington officials while the Commanders’ group was on a flight to Michigan.
Washington ended up hiring former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be its new leader.
According to a report by Ben Standig and Dianna Russini of The Athletic, one “high-ranking executive” from another team revealed his feelings about Johnson’s decision through a text.
“I like Ben. A year ago, he knew he wasn’t ready,” the message read, per the report. “I get a feeling he still thinks he needs time. Who knows? But to break (the decision) while they were in the air is a poor choice.”
Furthermore, one of Russini’s and Standig’s league sources told them that the way Johnson informed the Commanders of his choice was “outrageous” and the kind of move that can ruin a coach’s reputation.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell also discussed his assistant’s decision to return on Thursday.
The Lions have had the NFL’s fifth-ranked offense in each of Johnson’s first two seasons with the club, averaging 26.6 points per game in 2022 and 27.1 in 2023.