So Sad: Lions head coach attack Ben Johnson with two gun…

| January 31, 2024 | Detriot Lions | No Comments

So Sad: Lions head coach attack Ben Johnson with two gun…

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reportedly is staying in the Motor City next season. NFL Network reported on Tuesday that Johnson informed the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders that he’s remaining with the Lions. He previously interviewed for the Falcons’ head coaching position, but Atlanta opted to hire Raheem Morris instead. Johnson, 37, has been credited as the architect of an offense that led Detroit to a 12-5 record and its first division title in 30 years. He joined the Lions in 2019 as an offensive quality control coach and held other titles until becoming the team’s offensive coordinator in 2022. Prior to joining the Lions, Johnson was with the Miami Dolphins from 2012-18. He started his coaching career at Boston College, where he was a graduate assistant from 2009-10 before being promoted to tight ends coach for the 2011 season. The Commanders and Seahawks reportedly will meet with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald for their respective head coaching vacancies. Washington fired Ron Rivera as head coach after four seasons on Jan. 8, while Seattle parted ways with Pete Carroll after 14 seasons on Jan. 10. –Field Level MediaDetroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson stands on the sideline before an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023. The Lions won 33-28. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)AP

The Seattle Seahawks’ list of head coach candidates decreased by one on Tuesday.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, considered a top candidate for the position, has taken himself out of the running for head coach positions and will return to the Lions for the 2024 season, according to multiple reports.

Johnson has told both the Seahawks and the Washington Commanders, the last two teams still searching for a head coach, that he’s staying in Detroit, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Johnson, 37, was considered one of the most sought-after candidates during the 2024 hiring cycle and was rumored to be the top choice of the Commanders. Johnson reportedly made his decision as the Commanders were on their way to Detroit to interview him and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Johnson’s asking price – rumored to be $15 million per year – had scared off some teams, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, but cbssports.com reported that Johnson’s agent disputed the report. Schefter added that money wasn’t the deciding factor for Johnson.

Other reports indicate Johnson wants to win a Super Bowl with the Lions and knows he’ll likely be a hot candidate again in the 2025 hiring cycle.

Johnson’s decision narrows the field for the Seahawks. Johnson reportedly had a second interview with the Seahawks on Monday and was considered one of the team’s top candidates.

With Johnson out, the Seahawks will likely focus on their other likely top candidates – Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn – to replace Pete Carroll.

Macdonald, 36, was scheduled to have his first interview with the Seahawks on Tuesday. Macdonald led the Ravens’ defense that led the NFL in points allowed (16.5), sacks (60) and takeaways (31). The Washington Commanders had a second interview with Macdonald on Monday.

Quinn, had a second interview with the Seahawks last week and interviewed with the Commanders on Tuesday. Quinn was the defensive coordinator with the Seahawks under Carroll during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. He’s been the defensive coordinator with the Cowboys for the past three seasons.

The Seahawks have also conducted second interviews with New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

 

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