Lions OC Ben Johnson willing to wait on head-coaching job - ESPN

ALLEN PARK, Mich. — While sitting on the plane ride home after losing the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson reflected on an analogy used by coach Dan Campbell to motivate the team near the end of the 2021 season.

During his first year as head coach, Campbell assured the team that the Caribbean was on the horizon for a Lions organization more used to being in the Arctic and avoiding icebergs. That belief is why Johnson opted to remain in Detroit for the second straight offseason despite serious head-coaching interest.

Though he didn't receive an offer, Johnson had been set to meet with Washington Commanders officials before making his decision to remain in Detroit. Johnson interviewed with the Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers.

«I think when it boils down to it, I want the sun to shine a little bit longer. That's really what it comes down for me,» Johnson said Thursday, addressing his decision to return to Detroit. «I like the sunshine. I like what we've built here, starting with ownership, the head coach and the GM on down.

»We have a great group of guys in the locker room, and I want to reap the rewards with them a little bit longer."

Johnson said there is no doubt in his mind that he could be a head coach but that he loves what they have built in Detroit.

«I'm not gonna do it just to do it. I love what I'm doing right now. Love it,» Johnson said. «I love where I'm at. My family loves where we're at. Love the people that we're doing it with, so I'm not willing to go down the other path yet, unless I feel really good about how it's gonna unfold.»

Campbell said he wasn't completely caught off guard by Johnson's