Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was at one point viewed as the hottest head coaching candidate in the NFL, but he decided to remain at his current job for at least another season. And he is happy to explain why.
Johnson was asked on Thursday about turning down head coaching opportunities earlier this offseason. He mentioned how there were eight head coaching vacancies and estimated that as many as five of the coaches who took those jobs will be fired within three years. The 38-year-old also said he loves his current job.
Fans appreciated Johnson’s honesty, and his response went viral.
“When I look at it from that perspective, if I get the opportunity to go down that road, it’s about how do I get to that second contract. How do I set myself up that the stars need to align? I’m not gonna do it just to do it,” Johnson said. “I love what I’m doing right now, love it. I love where I’m at. My family loves where we’re at. I love the people that we’re doing it with, so I’m not willing to go down the other path yet unless I feel really good about how it’s gonna unfold.”