Lions' Ben Johnson details decision to pass on head coaching opportunities: 'I love where I'm at'

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Ben Johnson was one of the most sought-after candidates this past coaching cycle.

Johnson had at least one interview with the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders, the NFL Network reported in January. But he withdrew his name from consideration to remain in Detroit.

Johnson spent the past two seasons as the Lions' offensive coordinator. The 38-year-old assistant coach was the architect of one of the best offenses in the NFL in 2023. 

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Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Ford Field Sept. 24, 2023, in Detroit.  (Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

In January, Lions star wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said Johnson's choice to stay put centered on "unfinished business."

"I'm like, 'So what's up with you, you did an interview. Like, are you leaving?'" St. Brown said on his "St. Brown Brothers" podcast about a text message exchange with Johnson. "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."

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This week, Johnson shed some more light on his surprising decision to stay put, saying he was happy with his situation with the Lions.

"When it boils down to it, I wanted the sunshine a bit longer," Johnson told reporters at Lions practice.

"That's really what it comes down to for me. I like the sunshine. I like what we've built here, starting with ownership, the head coach, the GM on down. We have