Breaking news, and very good news indeed for the Detroit Lions. Per NFL.com reporter Tom Pelissero, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is staying with the team.
Johnson was scheduled to travel to Charlotte to interview for the head coaching position with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday. He had been widely considered the favorite to earn the opening.
#Lions OC Ben Johnson informed interested teams he’s staying in Detroit, per sources.
Johnson was slated to travel Wednesday to interview with the #Panthers. But he feels Detroit is building something special and wants to see it through. Should be a hot HC name again next year. pic.twitter.com/vUNLyKFtLf
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 18, 2023
Instead, it appears Johnson values the considerable offensive potential with the Lions. He just finished his first season as the OC and helped craft one of the highest-scoring and most creative offenses in the league.