Ben Johnson is staying with the Detroit Lions in 2023, and he declines coach interviews

You no longer have to be on a Ben Johnson watch.

According to a report by NFL Network’s Tom Bellisero, the Detroit Lions The offensive coordinator canceled his interview with Carolina Panthers This week, he has notified all interested teams that he will be returning to Detroit in 2023.

Johnson was scheduled to fly in on Wednesday for an interview with the #Panthers. But he feels Detroit is building something special and wants to see it through,” Bellisero tweeted Tuesday night. “The HC name should be hot again next year.”

It’s a massive win for the Lions, who have spoken of Ben Johnson’s praises all year, as the team put together the fifth-highest offense in the league in 2022.

“I have to be careful how far I keep pushing him, but no, I’m kidding,” quarterback Jared Goff, who has enjoyed a career renaissance this season, said of Johnson. “He’s awesome. He’s unique in his own way. I think the best thing about him is his communication and the way he listens, the way he takes our input and communicates constantly and keeps us all on the same page.”

Lions coach Dan Campbell praised Johnson throughout the year, often referring to him as a “rock star”. But he said if offers came his way, he wouldn’t stand in their way.

“I think a ton of Ben. I think he is — I think he’s very smart,” Campbell said. “He’s creative, organized, and a great communicator. I mean, he got it, and I’m going to do everything I can to help him. That’s the whole point. Of course, I don’t want to lose him, but I won’t hold him back either. I will help him in any way I can help him.”

Luckily for Campbell, it looks like he won’t lose it… this year.