Inside Ben Johnson’s choice to stay with Detroit Lions as Dan Campbell keeps his man

Ben Johnson had been in great demand this off-season, interviewing with five different teams for head coaching vacancies, but elected to stay with the Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has stated why Ben Johnson returned to the organization.

Dan Campbell has encouraged offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to stay with the Detroit Lions for another season.

Johnson, renowned as one of the most inventive playcallers in the NFL, had been sought after by five different teams for head coaching vacancies, including the Washington Commanders and the Seattle Seahawks.

But Johnson has elected to stay with the Lions, stating his ambition to win a Super Bowl with the franchise. This choice startled many in the NFL, as Johnson presumably turned down a far greater salary and probably gave up his chance to become a head coach.

Star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown indicated why Johnson opted to stay. Speaking on his show, 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?’

“He’s like, ‘You know what, I’m on my way to the facility right now.’ He stated that he couldn’t sleep last night. He was thinking about it and he added, ‘There’s unfinished business.’ He wants to stay. He claimed his heart is in Detroit; he wants to stay. So he told me that as he was on his way to the institution.”

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has managed to keep Johnson with the squad (  Image:  Getty Images)

In a twist, St. Brown said that Johnson had told him he would be staying with the team; around the same time, news arose that he was withdrawing from an interview with the commanders. It’s believed he was their top option for the job. Dan Quinn is now anticipated to take the commanders post.

Head coach Campbell has managed to turn the Lions’ fortunes around in recent years, transforming them from an NFL laughing joke to being just one game away from the Super Bowl after falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game.

Campbell has developed a winning mentality inside the team, dominating in the trenches and making daring decisions, which has garnered them a legion of admirers around the league.