Detroit loves Ben Johnson (OC) and Ben Johnson loves Detroit. Enough to reject all prospects of development coming from elsewhere.
Ben Johnson feels good in Michigan. It must be said that recent performances help. The franchise has been heading in the right direction since Dan Campbell took charge of the sportsman. His ability to bring people together has capsized Johnson, so much so that the latter no longer wants to leave him.
“I like what we have built here, starting with the leaders, the head coach, the general manager and so on. We have great guys in the locker room and I want to reap the rewards of our work with them a little longer. » Comments reported by NFL.com
Captain, my captain
To explain this powerful attachment to Detroit, the offensive coordinator continues with a poetic story, of which only Dan Campbell has the secret…
“Right after the conference final […] I thought of something coach (Dan Campbell) said. In 2021 and early 2022, he made this analogy to the team, that we were sailing the oceans, and that we were currently in the Arctic. We were hitting icebergs. We weathered storms. Times were dark, but he had a vision of where we were going, where we were heading. He assured us, 'Guys, I see it, I see where we're going. The results are not there yet, but the Caribbean is on the horizon. It's coming.' »
A romantic prediction but one that partly hit the mark. In 2023 the Lions failed at the gates of the “Caribbean”, in the conference final but after a remarkable regular season.
Ben Johnson's offense was a major contributor to this campaign, producing 6,712 yards (3e NFL total), 461 points (4e) and 57 touchdowns (2e). In addition, the style of play was also there.
Patience is the mother of safety
Conquered and fulfilled, Ben Johnson did not listen to the sirens of the Commanders and the Seahawks. This maturity is rather rare, the coach knows how to take a step back.
“8 places (for head coach) opened up this year. […] How many (new HCs) will still have this job in 3 years? […] I'd say there's a good chance that five of them won't have the job in 3 years. And when I look at it from this angle, if I have the opportunity to take this path, the question is: can I get a second contract? Am I in a position to succeed? »
Both of those questions were quickly answered by the Lions, who offered Johnson more money and an opportunity to win by re-signing his executives (Goff, Sewell and St. Brown).
Finally, Ben Johnson is not afraid to stay in office. He even sees it as necessary work.
“I love what I’m doing now. […] The longer you remain coordinator, the more prepared you are for the next step, if it arises. Personally I don't feel that I'm harming my opportunities or my abilities by remaining a coordinator. »
