NFL News NFL News, Reports and Updates
After the Detroit Lions enjoyed their most successful season in decades in 2023, it felt inevitable that the organization would lose one of its top assets in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson this offseason. The 38-year-old was among the hottest head-coaching candidates in the league coming into this latest hiring cycle thanks to the work that he was able to do with the Lions offense over the past few years, and it seemed like he’d have his pick of the litter of jobs.
Despite talking to the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, Johnson elected to pull himself out of the running for those jobs and remain with the Lions as their OC for 2024.
“When it boils down to it, I wanted the sunshine a bit longer,” Johnson told reporters from Lions OTAs, referencing his desire to continue building with Detroit. “That’s really what it comes down to for me. I like the sunshine. I like what we’ve built here starting with ownership, the head coach, the GM on down. We have a great group of guys in the locker room and I want to reap the rewards with them a little bit longer.”
On top of wanting to help push the Lions over the top, Johnson was candid about the realities of becoming of head coach in the NFL and the short shelf life that most have.
“Something that really resonates with me is … Okay, eight openings this past year. What would set the over/under in three years? How many still have jobs?” he asked. “Shoot, I’d put the over/under at 4.5. I would say there’s a good chance five of them are out of jobs in three years.
“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? The stars need to align. I’m not going to do it just to do it. I love what I’m doing right now. Love it. I love where I’m at. My family loves where we’re at. Love the people that we’re doing it with. So, I’m…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/lions-ben-johnson-reveals-why-he-didnt-pursue-head-coaching-jobs-this-offseason-despite-significant-interest/
Author : Tyler Sullivan
Publish date : 2024-05-31 17:22:59
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
