The 2023 season saw the Detroit Lions gain a lot of momentum. Coach Dan Campbell capitalized on the team’s 2022 success with a historic season after a strong finish.
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator who has developed a great rapport with quarterback Jared Goff and led the Lions to outstanding output, played a major role in that victory.
Johnson has received a good deal of recognition; Pro Football Network most recently ranked him one of the league’s top play-callers. Johnson came in top among offensive coordinators and fourth overall in the most recent ranking of NFL play-callers.
The Lions were third in total yards and seventh in scoring average while he was in charge. Before he made the decision to reject down chances and head back to Detroit for the 2024 season, he was a highly sought-after commodity on the head coaching market.
“Ben Johnson’s schematic creativity — evidenced by his willingness to deploy virtually every run concept under the sun — was part of what made him an attractive head coaching candidate over the past two offseasons,” Dallas Robinson said. “The Lions couldn’t be happier that Johnson turned down overtures, enabling him to return for a third season in Detroit.”
Head coaches made up the three coaches who were ranked higher than Johnson. Andy Reid of Kansas City was voted first, followed by Kyle Shanahan of San Francisco at number two and Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams at number three.
