Lions News

[jaadam4]

Wow. I certainly didn’t see that one coming. I don’t think anything will top that this off-season. We needed that one

[TheLondonLion]

I think it's good news, but I did like the idea of having one of the coordinators going to become a head coach. That is something we've never seen.

Matter of time if he picks up where he left off.

[JGSpartan]

Don't forget Tracy Walker said he had good offers elsewhere but wanted to stay. Obviously his injury derailed his year but players wanting to be here isn't exclusive to this year.

[jaadam4]

I think it's good news, but I did like the idea of having one of the coordinators going to become a head coach. That is something we've never seen.

You think it’s good news? Come on bro, it’s fantastic.

We’re getting the band back together

[jaadam4]

I’ll be curious to see how free agency goes and see what players want to come here. I think we’ll have our pick if they money is right. Detroit is legit changing in front of our faces

[-Deborah-]

You think it’s good news? Come on bro, it’s fantastic.

We’re getting the band back together

I like Goff's chances of continuing to do well if Johnson is here. I'll admit I was a little nervous about that if he left...

[froot loops]

I thought they would have been fine if Johnson left, but I'm glad they don't have to worry about it.

[Futureshock]

Report: Ben Johnson informs teams he’s staying with Lions

Posted by Mike Florio on January 17, 2023, 8:13 PM EST

Getty Images

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will continue to coordinate the Lions’ offense, for at least one more year.

Johnson has informed teams potentially interested in his services as a head coach for 2023 that he’ll be staying put, according to NFL Media.

The Panthers, Colts, and Texans had been linked to Johnson.

That’s very good news for the Lions, since it means that coach Dan Campbell won’t need to find a replacement for Johnson.

The 36-year-old former North Carolina quarterback started coaching in 2009. He arrived in Detroit in 2019, as a member of Matt Patricia’s staff. He served as tight ends coach in 2020 and 2021 before becoming offensive coordinator this year, replacing Anthony Lynn.

It’s being assumed that Johnson will have chances to become a head coach in 2024. Of course, we thought that a year ago about Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich; he’s now in danger of being let go by the Bucs.

Johnson became a hot candidate because Detroit’s offensive performed better than expected in 2022, and because quarterback Jared Goff played well enough to secure his future with the team. The job of NFL head coach requires a much different skill set.

Some coordinators can perform in the much different job of head coach, and some can’t. There’s only one way to find out — the coordinator has to try the job.

And for every Sean Payton, there’s a Nathaniel Hackett. Where Ben Johnson falls on that spectrum won’t be determined for a year, at a minimum.

[Futureshock]

With that being said, it wouldn't be a bad idea to start grooming the next guy. If they aren't already.

[Cody_Russell]

Yes, this is a must. Lions have 12 months to prepare for Ben Johnson’s likely departure in 2024. Have an assistant on the offensive coaching staff learn behind Johnson next season. Duce Staley, Antwaan Randel-El, Mark Brunnel, Hank Fraley, Tanner Engstrand, or JT Barrett… whoever be next in line.

[jaadam4]

With that being said, it wouldn't be a bad idea to start grooming the next guy. If they aren't already.

Absolutely. I’m sure both Holmes and Campbell have already been doing that or have an idea who the next guy can be. I’m excited to see what happens next year

[jaadam4]

I like Goff's chances of continuing to do well if Johnson is here. I'll admit I was a little nervous about that if he left...

Its definitively a great thing. I don’t think it was the end all be all but it’ll certainly give the offense confidence going into next season.

This team is primed for a jump and im glad as shit we’re here to see it

[edindetroit]

I like Goff's chances of continuing to do well if Johnson is here. I'll admit I was a little nervous about that if he left...

Me too.

[froot loops]

I think people forget Goff was the number 1 overall pick. He has a lot of talent but not the type that announcers go ape shit over.

[Whitley]

I think people forget Goff was the number 1 overall pick. He has a lot of talent but not the type that announcers go ape shit over.

Goff this year was a quiet great. Very Bobby Abreu like. It fits in very well with the Detroit area in general.