Inside Ben Johnson's decision to stay with Lions as Dan Campbell keeps his man

02 February 2024 , 05:00

1175     0

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has confirmed why Ben Johnson returned to the team (Image: Getty Images)

Dan Campbell has convinced offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to stay with the Detroit Lions for another season.

Johnson, known as one of the most creative playcallers in the NFL, had been sought after by five different teams for head coaching roles - including theWashington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks.

But Johnson has chosen to stay with the Lions, expressing his desire to win a Super Bowl with the team. This decision surprised many in the NFL, as Johnson likely turned down a much higher salary and possibly gave up his chance to become a head coach.

READ MORE: Odell Beckham Jr makes NFL retirement decision after Super Bowl heartache
READ MORE:

Star receiver Amon-Ra St Brown revealed why Johnson decided to stay. Speaking on his podcast, St Brown said Johnson called him. He said: "I’m like, ‘So what’s up with you, you did an interview, like, are you leaving?’

Joe Burrow backs Patrick Mahomes after Kansas City Chiefs reach Super Bowl

"He’s like, ‘You know what, I’m on my way to the facility right now.’ He said he couldn’t sleep last night. He was thinking about it and he said, ‘There’s unfinished business.’ He wants to stay. He said his heart is in Detroit, he wants to stay. So he told me that while he was on his way to the facility."

Click to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has managed to keep Johnson with the team (Getty Images)

In a twist, St Brown revealed that Johnson had told him he would be staying with the team, around the same time reports emerged that he was pulling out of an interview with the Commanders. It's believed he was their top choice for the job. Dan Quinn is now expected to take the Commanders job.

Head coach Campbell has managed to turn the Lions' fortunes around in recent years, transforming them from an NFL laughing stock to being just one game away from the Super Bowl after losing to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Campbell has created a winning culture within the team, dominating in the trenches and making bold decisions, which has won them a legion of fans across the league.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.

Charlie Wilson