The Detroit Lions have become one of the most talked-about teams in the NFL over the past few seasons. The team’s culture began to shift significantly after hiring veteran coach Dan Campbell as their new head coach.
The Lions improved from a 3-13 record in the 2021 season to 9-8 in 2022, and then to 12-5 in 2023, nearly reaching the Super Bowl. Campbell’s leadership and the team’s progress on both offense and defense made Detroit a media favorite last season.
Another key factor in the team’s success was the revamped offense under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Since Johnson took over in 2022, the offensive performance has noticeably improved.
Typically, when an NFL coordinator proves capable of creating a highly successful unit, he is often quickly considered for head coaching positions during the offseason. Johnson’s success in revitalizing the Lions made him one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates by the end of the 2023 season.
Johnson interviewed with the Commanders, Seahawks, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Atlanta Falcons, while also turning down a request from the Titans for their head coach vacancy. Ultimately, Johnson decided to stay with the Lions.
Recently, Johnson spoke to reporters about his decision to remain with the team and provided a candid perspective on NFL head coaching vacancies.
