The Detroit Lions are no longer the laughingstock of the NFL.
Although they didn’t make the playoffs this season, they had one of the most potent offenses across the league, and have a bright future ahead.
A lot of their offensive success has been credited to their offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson.
As a result of this success, Johnson was interviewed for a few head coaching roles, which we have now learned, he has turned down.
The #Lions welcomed back OC Ben Johnson officially today, and sources say he'll return on an enhanced contract that features a large raise. Johnson was one of the hottest HC candidates and likely would have ended up with a job. Now, back in Detroit, excited for another season.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2023
Johnson has found himself back in Detroit and will look to build upon the success that they found in 2022.
The Lions offense averaged 26.6 points per game, the team’s most since 2011 when they averaged 29.5.
In the past two seasons in Detroit, a culture shift has occurred, likely due to head coach Dan Campbell‘s unorthodox coaching style.
Whatever Campbell is saying and doing in the locker room appears to be working, considering that the players seem like they are ready to run through a wall for him and that the team can retain coaching talent like Johnson.
Before the 2022 season, there was talk surrounding Jared Goff, and if he had the ability and talent to lead the Lions.
Although the team hasn’t made anything official, they have been nothing but positive towards Goff, likely indicating that he is going to be under center for the foreseeable future.
Goff is tied to the Lions until 2024, but the team may look to put an extension into place, locking him up for additional years.
The Lions are one of the NFL’s most exciting teams, and we’re certainly looking forward to seeing more of them in 2023.
NEXT: The Lions Are Retaining A Key Piece For 2023