02 February 2024 , 05:00
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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.
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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?’
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"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."
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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.